STFC: The Takeover - a column by Alfie Howlett

Howlett weighs in on the recent changeover within Swindon Town Football Club.

When I sat down to do my last piece, which happened to be on the now ex Town manager John Mcgreal, I didn't expect it to be out of relevance by a month!

It not only showed that there is a never a dull moment supporting Swindon. But it also demonstrates the sheer chaos and mess that one man is solely responsible for. Lee Power.

At the time of writing Town have just a handful of senior players on the books, no manager and only just some clarity on the ownership situation.

Normally at this point in the year I would be analysing our opponents and hopes for the upcoming season. However that is a little bit hard when there's no guarantee that Town will even make the new season. I could analyse the new signings and pick out who I could think will have a good season.

However that is a bit hard when all I've seen up to the point of writing is trialists, academy prospects and a handful of senior players.

Its fair to say that the club is in disarray, and that's putting it lightly.

Mcgreal walked out of the club after a month having not even taken charge of a game. Following him was chief executive Steve Anderson and director of football Paul Jewell. The signs suggested that the Lee Power era was about to collapse.

It's just good that the Clem Morfuni takeover has finally happened.

If it hadn't we'd have been  in serious trouble! And this is where I must give a huge amount of credit to all of the staff at the club.

Recently news came out they hadn't been paid. Therefore everyone who is keeping the club alive ready for a takeover are doing it unpaid.

For which all of the fans are very grateful. A special mention should also go to former players and now coaches Lee Peacock and Steve Mildenhall who have been taken training and friendlies in the absence of a manager.

Now the takeover has gone through, what can we expect from Town on the pitch this season?

In my opinion survival has to be the main goal. Given the fact that preseason has been so heavily disrupted and that the club have a transfer embargo in which they can only sign free agents and loanees. What sort of shape will the squad that will be cobbled together be in?

I see this season being one of those ones where you need to stay alive until the January transfer window and then try and bring players in to achieve results.

Looking at Swindon's league 2 rivals I expect Newport, Oldham and Tranmere to be in the mix for promotion.

The season ahead could be a struggle but let's be grateful for our club and back the boys. Come on you reds!