A new dawn with Clem - a column by Alfie Howlett

By Jessica Durston - 26 August 2021

Clubs & ActivitiesSport

Howlett discusses STFC's future prospects after the appointment of new owner Clem Morfuni.

The end of the storm has come at the County Ground but will it finally give way to clearer skies?

One thing we all know now for sure is that we have a club to be proud of. We have our Swindon back.

In the few weeks that new owner Clem Morfuni has been at the club he has already trumped the last few years of communication and transparency. He has set out a clear vision and pathway for the future. But for now the main objective is survival.

The man who's been tasked with reaching this goal is Ben Garner. The 41 year old has a point to prove at SN1 following a disappointing spell at Bristol Rovers. Garner has brought with him an appealing style of football.

Town now look to build from the back and play a possession game. When it all comes together there can be no finer sight in football but it can be risky. At times I'd like to see Swindon shake it up a bit and play it long to utilise the strength of Tyreece Simpson.

Obviously as the season goes on Town will become more efficient and fluent going through the phases as the players get to know each other better. And I think this is something we'll have to remember in the early stages of the season.

We've brought in many new players and they haven't had a pre season to practice playing as a team. Therefore we're at least a month behind every other club. In my opinion any points we gain in September will be a bonus. We just need to be patient and stick with the team.

Considering Town are under a transfer embargo, summer recruitment has been strong. Much stronger than last season in league 1 which tells you something.

Two signings I particularly like the look of are Kaine Kesler Hayden and Romoney Crichlow.

Kesler Hayden, on loan from Aston Villa, has already won the FA Youth Cup as a captain and he seems a real prospect. He has brought energy and pace in the right back position and at times he has been our most dangerous attacker. The 18 year old strikes me as one of those players who could definitely play at the highest level one day.

Romoney Crichlow comes on loan from Huddersfield. The centre half has impressed me with the amount of aerial duels and tackles he wins. As well as this he appears confident with the ball at his feet - which is key in this new Swindon system.

Off the pitch this will definitely be a season to remember. The start of a new chapter.

And let's just wait and see what happens on it. After all expectations are low but the aim can be higher.

Your Comments

Be the first to comment on this article

Login or Register to post a comment on this article

Subscribe to The Link
The Ink
Sport
Club chairman Warren Huggins

Excitement and optimism sweeps rugby club as it looks to future

Swindon St George Rugby League Club ...

Sport
STFC directionless - a column by Link Swindon Town correspondent Alfie Howlett

STFC directionless - a column by Link Swindon Town correspondent Alfie Howlett

Very little has changed since my ...

Sport
Work underway at historic Health Hydro

Work underway at historic Health Hydro

Refurbishment the Health Hydro on Milton ...

Sport
Green energy boost for Link Centre thanks to £115,000 funding award

Green energy boost for Link Centre thanks to £115,000 funding award

The future sustainability of the Link ...

Sport
Moredon Sporting Hub nearing completion

Moredon Sporting Hub nearing completion

An update on the creation of ...

Registered in England & Wales. No: 4513027, Positive Media Group, Old Bank House, 5 Devizes Road, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 4BJ