As Swindon Town kick-off their 103rd consecutive year as a Football League club, it’s fair to say our pre-season campaign has been one of the most lacklustre seen in many years.
Up until last Friday, Town was one of only two clubs not to make a permanent signing in this Transfer Window. Thankfully we made our move as midfielder Liam Kinsella joined on a free transfer after leaving Walsall at the end of last season.
Along with Kinsella, Town has brought in three loan signings in Murphy Mahoney from QPR, Dan Kemp from Milton Keynes, and yesterday we saw Bradford City striker Jake Young complete his move to SN1 for the 23/24 campaign.
Out of the recruits, Dan Kemp’s performance against Plymouth Argyle has been the most encouraging as he scored a superb volley from a corner and could have easily added a couple more.
After he finished the last campaign in such good form on loan at Hartlepool, many were surprised to see him loaned out by Franchise FC, but from early signs, he looks like he’ll become a key player this season.
With the club suffering a disappointing 22/23 season under Scott Lindsey and Jody Morris, some were hoping for a squad overhaul, but that hasn’t happened, as manager, Michael Flynn has had to build on instead of revamp his squad.
It’s incredibly unusual that all of the outfield players from our last League Two game, our 2-1 win over Crawley Town, are still at the club.
Like most Town fans, I feel we will be light on the ground personnel wise going into our first League Two game this weekend.
At some point today we should hopefully get confirmation that trialist Brooklyn Genesini has signed on a permanent deal.
He looked decent against Plymouth last weekend and would provide cover as a full-back or wing-back throughout the season, but with Marcel Lavinier out injured, Brooklyn might find himself starting at the JobServe Community Stadium.
The main area we need a couple more reinforcements is at the heart of the defence. One name that’s been floating about for a few weeks is former Dundee United defender Ryan Edwards.
Having him sign on for the new season would be a huge boost for the club and the sort of signing fans want to see. Someone who has plenty of experience in the Football League with over 370 career appearances.
If we look at our quiet transfer window from another perspective, maybe it’s a blessing in disguise.
As with a majority of the squad knowing each other’s personalities and how they like to play, this should give Flynn’s side the upper hand on their opponents, starting this Saturday against former Town player Elis Iandolo and former Head Coach Ben Garner.
Below is my predicted League Two table for the 2023/24 season.
Hopefully, with some additions, Town can prove me wrong next April.
- Wrexham
- Stockport County
- Notts County
- Milton Keynes
- Gillingham
- Bradford City
- Mansfield Town
- Doncaster Rovers
- Salford City
- Swindon Town
- Walsall
- Tranmere Rovers
- Forest Green Rovers
- Accrington Stanley
- Wimbledon
- Grimsby Town
- Barrow
- Crewe Alexandra
- Colchester United
- Newport County
- Sutton United
- Harrogate Town
- Morecambe
- Crawley Town