It could be too late for town to avoid relegation - STFC column by Alfie Howlett

A column by Alfie Howlett - The Link's Swindon Town FC writer

If the closing months of 2020 were ones to forget for all the wrong reasons, then the opening months of 2021 won't live long in the memory of many Swindon fans.

Both on and off the field Swindon appear to be heading in only one direction. Backwards. Although it might seem like a lifetime ago, this time last year Swindon were top of league 2 and had a team that excited you.

Whereas now Swindon are dull and staring relegation back into league 2 in the face. I'd say that the current crop are a shadow of the last. However I think that's too much of a compliment to this poor squad.

Many clubs are experiencing the pinch of the pandemic and Swindon are no exception. The sale of one of Town's more lucrative assets, Diallang Jaiyesemi, on transfer deadline day highlighted the clubs financial struggles.

In a transfer window in which the Robins were looking to strengthen they arguably weakened by selling one of their best players. DJ scored four goals in a town shirt this season and was always one of the few shining lights in some dark times this season.

Swindon will undoubtedly miss his creativity, especially in a team that creates precious few chances. However according to Swindon chairman Lee Power the sale of Jaiyesemi was simply so that he could keep the club afloat until the end of February. This makes you ask how much trouble are Swindon in?

On the pitch Swindon are most definitely in trouble. The points required for survival just aren't happening and the goals needed for those points are non existent.

John Sheridan has turned a Swindon side that scores goals but can't defend into a side that can't score and can't defend.

Sheridan has implemented an eyesore style of football that's not even getting results let alone looking as if it will produce a goal.

I genuinely believe that despite the league standing, the Town players are capable of playing a proper brand of football.

In my opinion the players aren't being coached properly and things must go back to basics. I don't believe that Swindon will survive with Sheridan at the helm.

But if they are to pull off an unlikely miracle then the gaffer must try and find a way to instil some confidence into his front players. Because goals win games and Swindon desperately need to win games.

Hopefully Spring will bring some hope to the County Ground.

However it's looking likely that it could be too late. But as is often the case with Swindon you never know.