RICH PULLEN

@ Loathedstranger

Last season was so close, yet so far – from an uncertain future to being one penalty from Wembley in under a year. That involved a wide array of emotions.

The big talking point is the exit of Ben Garner and the promotion of Scott Lindsey from assistant to manager. This season will be different because we are a far more settled club than we were 12 months ago. I won’t be happy unless we go up! Onward! In all seriousness, as long as we don’t do something stupid like get ourselves threatened with relegation, then I’m content… ish. Our key player will be Louis Reed [ below]. If he pulls the strings in Town’s midfield as he did throughout 2021- 22, we’ll do just fine. Our most underrated player is Ellis Iandolo. Another season like the last one and he will receive more attention from clubs above. The thing my club really gets right is openness and transparency.

The opposition player who grinds my

gears is Andy Williams at Walsall. He is a reminder of how close we came to better things a decade or so ago.

The opposition player I’d love here is

Jon Guthrie, a Wiltshire boy who once got close to joining Swindon and just had a great campaign with promotion rivals Northampton. I’m least looking forward to playing the Premier League U21 side that we’ll have to host in the EFL Trophy. Zzzz.

Fans think our owner is lucky to have one of the loveliest smiles in football. All hail the Cult of Clem!

The active player I’d love to have

back is Charlie Austin. A final hurrah at Town would be League Two box office.

The fans’ opinion of the gaffer is that it was a brave, bold choice. The news has created a few nerves within the fanbase, and we all expected him to follow Garner to Charlton, but we all want Lindsey to succeed. The pantomime villain will be Harry Mckirdy, once again, whether it’s for Swindon or somebody else! Look out for Ricky Aguiar. He showed real promise when he was introduced into the first team. We’ll finish in an automatic promotion place. Please! I bet you.

FFT VERDICT

7TH

There’s continuity despite Garner’s exit, with a core of Town’s play- off team staying to be led by former assistant Lindsey. After the hurried squad- building that was required last season, including nine loanees, owner Clem Morfuni aims to create assets while remaining competitive.