The curtain has finally closed for now, the show is over. A bang-on midtable finish of 12th, with 15 wins, 17 draws, and 14 defeats – totalling in 62 points.
On paper it was a satisfactory season at best, although I would like to point out that Town achieved their highest points total for three seasons, showing the substantial slip in standards.
Through my eyes, it was a season of two halves which started with a sour taste and finished with a sweetener accompanied with a potential promise of more.
I’ll always compare supporting Swindon to riding a rollercoaster. In recent years it has certainly entailed an array of downs, making anything pointing in an upwards trajectory cherished. I didn’t expect an awful lot before a ball was kicked in 24/25, I liked what looked to be a reinforced defensive unit, but going forward there was little to get excited about.
My fears were very quickly proven right; barring an enjoyable 3-2 away win at Cheltenham, it was the most torrid time of watching Swindon I can remember. I never expected this rollercoaster ride to take me to the depths of supporting the worst team in the EFL.
Ian Holloway would arrive but take time to turn the tide, there was no new manager bounce, but instead he produced a developing ripple. One which began in December with consecutive 3-1 home victories offering a springboard for a fruitful festive period.
It was the final game of that period which, in my view, changed the course of the season. George Cox’s 98th minute penalty ensured not only a dramatic 3-2 win against Colchester, but also a new lease of life. A new year, a newfound sense of belief, and a new Swindon.
From that point on the season was a joy. Entertaining football and a team with enthusiasm in abundance lit up a reinstated County Ground fortress. I sit here today in the midst of the League 2 play-offs and wonder what might’ve been if the season lasted an extra couple of games. Yet, that mournful feeling is replaced with a reinvigorated sense of optimism ahead of the new season.
And a final word on my player of the season, it wouldn’t have been Wright to finish without a mention of the centre back. Will Wright. Swindon’s highest 24/25 appearance maker has been a constant figure throughout the bad times as well as the good. He has proven himself as no shrinking violet, while providing a touch of class to the back line.
On the ball, Wright is technically one of the most assured defenders in the league. Swindon’s stately property would likely be at home further up the pyramid. Will Wright will certainly be in demand after a stellar season.
We’ll resume the madness for another trip round in about a month’s time for pre-season. Following the released and retained list, I expect it to be a quieter summer than usual.
Although such words don’t quite fit into an STFC supporter’s vocabulary!
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