STFC: Jogging on the run-in

Life is famously never plain sailing at SN1, but this must be the strangest run-in I can recall. 
I pen this with just three matches remaining, yet it has the mood of a halfway point. Swindon should have a shot at the play-offs, and better still a chance to be promoted automatically. It should be mouthwatering. So why does the atmosphere feel strangely hostile?
The last stages of the season bring so many dreaded emotions. Tension, anger, and joy. If you love football, it’s what you live for. It’s the first time in four seasons that Swindon are there fighting at the bitter end, but it tastes different.
Interestingly, the team of 21/22 have an almost identical record to today’s side. But they’re two very different stories. It was Clem Morfuni’s first season at the club, and it felt like a fairytale. 
This time round, it should be something of a comeback story with Ian Holloway taking Town from staring down the barrel of the National League to the brink of League One. The first story was enjoyed, the second has some annoyed.
People are very quick to point out Swindon’s ownership as a reason behind the lack of faith and unity at The County Ground, and although this is true to a point, it cannot be deployed as the main reason behind the melting pot of emotions on match days.
Richie Wellens, the last Swindon manager to win promotion, galvanised the club under much worse circumstances. He and his team formed an incredible bond with the fans, despite much friction with Lee Power.
In less trying conditions, Ian Holloway has failed to make that connection. The marriage between Swindon and Holloway will forever be one of respect and admiration. Regardless of the outcome, the turnaround under his watch has been remarkable. But it will never be a relationship of love.
The cracks have shown in 2026. Holloway’s reluctance to integrate himself into the Swindon community has left his team vulnerable to criticism. 
When players aren’t playing at the required level, too many fans are quick to criticise rather than support. This is because there’s already animosity in the air. 
This has led to tense play, with players now taking negative and safe options rather than positive ones.
It feels as if Swindon are playing with an incredible amount of weight on their shoulders. They’re far too passive and fearful, gone are the days of the free-flowing attacking play. 
Although there have been several last gasp winners, I sense that belief is on short supply.
An example of this would be Town’s toothless first half record. Instead of taking ownership of proceedings, The Robins are left looking to make impacts in the second 45. As mentioned, it’s an incredibly strange position for a team who on paper are enjoying a strong campaign.
If Ian Holloway can navigate and steer the ship through these choppy waters, he’ll be hailed. 
Should he fail, an inquest will immediately take place. Because something isn’t right at SN1.  
 

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