SWINDON TOWN MASS EXODUS

MANAGERS QUIT CLUB: SPORT

SWINDON Town appear to be in disarray after manager John McGreal, assistant boss Rene Gilmartin and chief executive Steve Anderson all left the Wiltshire club.

Former Colchester boss McGreal only took charge at the County Ground a month ago, with Gilmartin joining him a week later.

Long-serving Anderson had been in his post since 2013, but has also left the club, which is currently embroiled in legal proceedings. Chairman Lee Power is facing FA charges in connection with the funding and ownership of the club.

McGreal, pictured, brought in two players – goalkeeper Joe Wollacott and defender Pierce Sweeney – earlier this month as he started to rebuild a side relegated from League One last season, having retained nine members of that squad and offered new deals to three more.

However, in a joint statement on the club website yesterday, McGreal and Gilmartin said they did not believe that would be possible given the current uncertainty at Swindon.

“This is a decision we both have made, as we feel we are not able to carry out our duties as manager and assistant manager,” they said.

“Our intention from day one was to build a football team to compete in this League but, unfortunately, due to the current circumstances the club is facing, we do not feel we are able to do that.

“We have signings ready to be announced, but legal proceedings involving the ownership has not allowed us to do so, making our positions at the club untenable.”

A Swindon statement read: “We would like to thank John and Rene

for all their hard work and professionalism during their short stay at the County Ground under difficult circumstances. We would like to wish them both the best for the future.”

Swindon also made a statement following Anderson’s departure.

It read: “We would like to thank Steve for his hard work, personal commitment and dedication to Swindon Town since August 2013.

“He has built strong foundations for the future success of the club, and we would like to recognise his leadership through the current challenges and uncertainties presented by Covid-19.”

Anderson himself added: “It has been a privilege to serve the club for nearly eight years.

“I would like to thank the staff for their hard work and support, particularly during the challenges presented by Covid-19. I am proud of you all and it’s been an honour to work with you.”

In April, Power, along with sports agency First Touch Pro Management and its company director Michael Standing were charged with breaching FA rules on ownership.

Standing, a former Aston Villa trainee who also had spells at Bradford and Walsall, stated he acquired 50 percent of Swindon’s holding company when Power bought the Robins in 2013 – but under FA regulations, agents are not allowed to own clubs due to potential conflicts of interest.

Swindon are scheduled to play their first pre-season match at Melksham on Friday, while the opening game of the League Two campaign is just six weeks away.