History of Swindon Town F.C.

The History of Swindon Town F.C. stretches back to 1881 and earlier; the club has won League, National and International competitions in its history and played in the FA Premier League.

Foundation

Swindon Town Football Club was founded by Reverend William Pitt between 1879 and 1881, with the club officially using the latter date.

Confusion over the original date arose in the mid-1990s and continues to arouse controversy, with the club accepting the earlier date and then reverting back to the original during the late 21st century.

Former club statistician Paul Plowman researched the early history of the club during the period 1990 -95 and discovered newspaper reports of a game in 1879 between Swindon Association Football Club and Rovers F.C..Cite web|url=http://www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk/InTheBeginning.asp|title=In the beginning...|accessdate=2007-01-14|publisher=swindon-town-fc.co.uk] The report and team photos show William Pitt playing for the team.Cite web|url=http://www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk/footprint/Home.htm|title=Mythbusters |accessdate=2007-01-14|publisher=swindon-town-fc.co.uk]

Reverend Pitt, who was 23 at the time, was the curate of Christchurch; Swindon's central church. He was appointed Rector of Liddington Church in 1881 and severed his ties to the club.

Plowman was given the role of Swindon Town Retail Manager in 1995 and the kit for the 1995-96 season carried an "Est. 1879" tag, since removed.Cite web|url=http://www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk/InTheBeginning.asp|title=In the beginning...|accessdate=2007-01-14|publisher=swindon-town-fc.co.uk]

Further discoveries include an after dinner speech at the Southern League championship celebrations in 1911 made by Reverend Pitt in which is recalled:

:"It was in the autumn of 1879 that some young fellows belonging to the Swindon factory met with him in the King William Street Schools to organise a club. They decided to call it the Swindon Town Football Club, but they found the name rather a mouthful to shout out, so they changed the name to the Spartan Club. The played the first game in a field not far away"Cite web|url=http://www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk/footprint/Home.htm|title=Mythbusters |accessdate=2007-01-14|publisher=swindon-town-fc.co.uk]

:"the rev. gentleman mentioned that his removal from Swindon caused his severance with the club"Cite web|url=http://www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk/footprint/Home.htm|title=Mythbusters |accessdate=2007-01-14|publisher=swindon-town-fc.co.uk]

Both Plowman and the official history agree that the Spartan Club played St. Mark's Young Men's Friendly Society on November 12 1881 in a game that ended 2-2, and that following a post-match discussion the two teams merged into one under the Spartan name. This is the official date of establishment.

In 1883 the Spartan Club re-named itself Swindon Town Football Club.Cite web|url=http://www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk/InTheBeginning.asp|title=In the beginning...|accessdate=2007-01-14|publisher=swindon-town-fc.co.uk]

1881–1945: Early years

Swindon Town were an amateur club until 1894, playing friendly games against local teams before entering the FA Cup for the first time in 1886. The team also played in the inaugural Wiltshire Cup in 1886 and went on to win it in 6 consecutive years from 1886-92

On turning professional in 1894, Swindon joined the Southern League which was founded in the same year. After just four wins in sixteen games, the club finished bottom of the table - and were forced to play a Test Match against New Brompton to save their First Division status. In a match played at Caversham in Reading, they were beaten 5-1, but gained a reprieve when the league was extended to eleven clubs for the following season.

Games were played at the County Ground from 1896, with the club entering the Western League in 1897 on the decision by the board to play more competitive games.Playing now in two leagues concurrently, Swindon lost form in the Southern League but became Western League champions in 1899.

The team resigned from the Western League in 1902 after finishing bottom of the table and continued to under perform in both League and Cup competitions until 1906 where the reached the first round of the FA Cup. The 1905-06 season saw the club also playing in the United League, again to play more competitive matches.

During the 1907 close season Swindon Town made two player signings that helped changed their fortunes, Jock Walker from Rangers and Harold Fleming. Fleming scored twice on his début for the reserve team and was included in the first team for their next game, he became the seasons top scorer with 17 goals and helped Swindon progress to the third round of the FA Cup.

Fleming, a legend in the Town with a statue in the County Ground and a nearby road named after him, scored 202 goals in 332 games for Swindon between 1907 and 1924 and was capped eleven times for England. [ [http://www.communigate.co.uk/wilts/robinsremembered/page5.phtml The Life & Times of Swindon's own England international] "thisiswiltshire.co.uk Communigate" accessed November 16, 2006]

In the 1909–1910 season Swindon reached the FA Cup semi-finals, losing to Newcastle United who subsequently defeated Barnsley in the final. Barnsley and Swindon were invited to compete for the Dubonnet Cup in a match played at the Parc des Princes Stadium in Paris. The result was a 2–1 victory for Swindon with Harold Fleming scoring both of the Town’s goals. One of football's larger trophies, the Dubonnet Cup weighs in at nearly a hundredweight.

In the following season, 1910–1911, the team won the Southern League championship, earning them a Charity Shield match with the Football League champions Manchester United. This, the highest-scoring Charity Shield game to date, was played on 25 September 1911 at Stamford Bridge. Swindon scored four goals, while United managed eight. Proceeds from the sale of tickets at this game were donated to the survivors of the Titantic. [ [http://archive.salisburyjournal.co.uk/2005/4/20/88666.html Medals to be sold] "Salisbury Journal" April 20, 1999]

In 1911–1912 the team again reached the FA Cup semi-finals, this time being knocked out by Barnsley after a replay.

Swindon became Southern League champions for the second and last time in 1914. After the end of the following season, representatives of all leagues met in Blackpool on 3 July 1915 and officially suspended football leagues owing to the outbreak of World War I.

The club continued to play friendly games against local opposition during the conflict and also against military teams from the Wiltshire Regiment of Royal Engineers and the Army Flying Corp. Lt Freddie Wheatcroft, a former Swindon centre-forward, was killed in action in Bourlon in November 1917. Wheatcroft was the only casualty for the club during the War.

The leagues restarted in 1919 and in 1920 Swindon entered the Football League as a founding member of Division Three and defeated Luton Town F.C. 9–1 in their first game of the season. This result stands as a record for the club in League matches.

In 1921 the Third Division became the Third Division South: a division from which Swindon was never to be promoted or relegated, although it did have to apply for re-election at the end of the 1932–1933, 1955–1956 and 1956–1957 seasons.

The club reached the quarter-final of the FA Cup in 1924, a feat they have only matched one other time in the 1968-69 season, with another club cup record being set in 1925-26 when Swindon beat Farnham United Breweries 10-1 in the first round. The club's worst FA Cup defeat followed in the 1929-30 season, losing 10-1 to Manchester City.

Harold Fleming retired in 1924 and two years later in 1926; Harry Morris, Swindon's greatest ever goalscorer, joined the club. In his first game on 28 August 1926, in which Swindon Town beat Southend United 5-1, he scored the first of eighteen hat-tricks. In his seven seasons at the club Morris was top goalscorer every year, accumulated 229 goals in 279 games and set four other club records that were still unbeaten in 2007.

Morris' last season with the club, 1932-33, saw Swindon having to apply for re-election to the league after finishing bottom of the table. The team finished mid-table for the rest of the 1930s, with the period probably best illustrated with the two games over the Christmas period of 1938; Swindon played Newport at home on Boxing day and won 8-0, in the return match a day later the club lost 6-4.

1939-1945: War years

Three games into the 1939-40 season, the Football League is cancelled due to the outbreak of World War II. Swindon Town joined the "Wartime South West Regional League" and owing to military call-ups, fielded a total of 46 different players during the season.

These players included staff and wartime guests (such as Danny Blanchflower), with some retired players associated with the club also taking part.

At the end of the 1939-49 season, the War Department requisitioned the County Ground for use as a Prisoner-of-war camp, Swindon Town as a football club effectively ceased to be for the duration. The clubs assets and players were sold or transferred until the season restarted.

Three Swindon Town F.C players - Alan Fowler, William Imrie and Dennis Olney - were killed in action during the war and are commemorated with a memorial inside the ground.

1945–1979: Era of success

Winners' Cup.Cite web|url=http://www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk/Achievements/1970AngloItalianLCWCWinners.asp|title=Anglo-Italian League Cup Winners' Cup Winners 1969/1970|accessdate=2007-01-14|publisher=swindon-town-fc.co.uk|work=Achievements]

1980–1991: Fall and Rise

Swindon reached their lowest ebb in 1982 when they were relegated to the replaced Macari and in his first season they were Second Division play-off winners.Cite web|url=http://www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk/Achievements/1990DivTwoPlayOffWinners.asp|title=Division Two Play-off Winners 1989/1990|accessdate=2007-01-14|publisher=swindon-town-fc.co.uk|work=Achievements] Cite web|url=http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=7127889761015597600&hl=en-GB|title=Swindon Town FC Wembley 1990|accessdate=2007-01-15|publisher=Google Video|year=2000|author=Swindon Cable|format=Video]

But Swindon later admitted 36 charges of breaching league rules (a scandal which saw their chairman Brian Hillier being given a six-month prison sentence and chief accountant Vince Farrar being put on probation) and were relegated to the Third Division — giving Sunderland promotion to the First Division and Tranmere Rovers to the Second Division. An appeal saw Swindon being allowed to stay in the Second Division.Cite web|url=http://www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk/Seasons.asp?Decade=1990|title=Season 1989-1990|accessdate=2007-01-14|publisher=swindon-town-fc.co.uk|work=Archive]

Three weeks before the start of the 1989-90 season, The People published revelations that chairman Brian Hillier had put money on Swindon winning Division Three in 1987, as an insurance policy for player bonuses. Two months later the allegations got worse - with Hillier accused of putting money on the Town to lose in the FA Cup game at Newcastle United two years previously (which the team lost 5-0).

Hillier was found guilty and was banned from football for six months - later increased to three years on appeal. Macari was fined £1,000 for his part in the scandal - and when he chose to appeal, West Ham United forced his resignation.

The People released a third expose in January 1990, this time alleging illegal payments to players. Despite this, Swindon Town beat table-topping Leeds United to go into third place in the league, and at the end of the season, they finish fourth - their highest league position ever - to go into the play-offs.

Shortly before the last game of the season; Hillier, Macari, captain Colin Calderwood and secretary Vince Farrar are all arrested and questioned by Inland Revenue officials over a tax fraud conspiracy. Calderwood is released without charge, and the others are given bail - on the pitch, Swindon Town went on to defeat Blackburn Rovers over two legs to reach the final at Wembley, only their second appearance at the ground in their history.

On 28th May 1990 Swindon Town played in the Division 2 play-off final against Sunderland. In a match they completely dominated, Alan McLoughlin scored the only goal - a deflected effort - to defeat Sunderland and win promotion to the First Division. The joy was short-lived though, as just ten days later, the Football League decided to demote the team two divisions, after they admitted 36 breaches of League rules - 35 of which are related to illegal payments. The Swindon board immediately appealed, but High Court action was dropped due to lack of funding - and the fans protested, thousands signing a "1st not 3rd" petition. The FA Appeal Panel reduced the demotion to just one division, and Swindon were denied their first-ever taste of top flight football.

Hillier was eventually jailed, whilst Farrar and former club secretary Dave King received suspended sentences. The team's form dipped in 1990–91 and by the time Ossie Ardiles moved to Newcastle United in March 1991, they were just above the Second Division drop zone. Former Tottenham midfielder Glenn Hoddle, 33, was named as Swindon's new player-manager and helped the Robins crush any remaining relegation fears.Cite web|url=http://www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk/Seasons.asp?Decade=1990|title=Season 1990-1991|accessdate=2007-01-14|publisher=swindon-town-fc.co.uk|work=Archive]

1991–1999: The yoyo years

Swindon progressed well during Hoddle's first full season as manager and just missed out on the Second Division play-offs, having briefly topped the table in October. A year later they beat Leicester City 4-3 in the new Football League Division One play-off final to achieve promotion to the Premiership — bringing top-division football to the club for the first time.Cite web|url=http://www.swindoncable.co.uk/1993.html?docid=-6106201891334563375&hl=en-GB|title=Swindon Town in the Premiership|accessdate=2007-01-14|publisher=Swindon Cable|format=Video] Cite web|url=http://www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk/Achievements/1993DivOnePlayOffWinners.asp|title=Division One Play-off Winners 1992/1993|accessdate=2007-01-14|publisher=swindon-town-fc.co.uk|work=Achievements]

had stayed, but he was sold to Middlesbrough on transfer deadline day.

McMahon succeeded in getting Swindon back into Division One at the first attempt, as they won the Division Two championship in 1996.Cite web|url=http://www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk/Achievements/1996DivTwoChamps.asp|title=Division Two Champions 1995/1196|accessdate=2007-01-14|publisher=swindon-town-fc.co.uk|work=Achievements] But the club's financial state was getting more precarious and Swindon could not afford to build a side which might be able to win promotion to the Premiership; his only significant summer signing the underwhelming Gary Elkins from Wimbledon.

Swindon survived the next season in Division One, finishing in 19th position, escaping relegation by eight points. Then prior to the 1997-8 season, manager McMahon promised Swindon fans that if the team failed to make the play-offs, the club would refund the increase in season ticket prices between the 1995-6 and 1997-8 seasons.Ladd, Jon: "Guide to Football Grounds.", page 162. Dial House, fourth edition 1998.] Swindon subsequently finished in a lowly 18th position and the increases were indeed refunded. However in March 1998, the club then summarily increased all ticket prices by £2.50 in attempt to clear the debt.Ladd, Jon: "Guide to Football Grounds.", page 162. Dial House, fourth edition 1998.]

McMahon remained as manager until September 1998, when he left by mutual consent after Swindon had lost 5 of the 9 opening games of the 1998/99 season. He was replaced by Jimmy Quinn,Cite web|url=http://www.swindonweb.com/stfc/news9810.htm|title=October 1998|accessdate=2007-01-15|publisher=swindonweb.com|work=Swindon Town News Archives] who had taken Reading to the Division One play-off final in 1995.

Swindon's financial problems came to a head during the 1999-2000 season when in January 2000 Swindon - £4m in debt and losing £25,000 a week - went into administration for the first time.FourFourTwo : "Issue 74 October 2000.", page 86. Haymarket Magazines, 2000.] Chairman Rikki Hunt was forced to resign and 15 members of staff were made redundant. At one point manager Jimmy Quinn was told not to pick midfielder Robin Hulbert because one more appearance would trigger a £25,000 payment to Everton under the terms of his 1996 transfer.FourFourTwo : "Issue 74 October 2000.", page 86. Haymarket Magazines, 2000.] Swindon's future was safeguarded when a consortium headed by business tycoon Terry Brady takes over the club and they come out of administration towards the end of the season. But it was too late to save Swindon's place in Division One — they had already been relegated in bottom place. The club's new owner sacked manager Jimmy Quinn and appointed Colin Todd — who had won promotion to the Premiership with Bolton in 1997 — as manager, in hope of getting the club's fortunes back on track.

ince 2000

2000-01: A close shave

Swindon had a dismal start to the 2000–01 season and Todd quit in November to take the assistant manager's job at Premiership side Derby County. Todd's own assistant, Andy King, stepped up to the manager's seat and remained there for the rest of the season. He achieved survival in Division TwoCite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/news_headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=127|title=King hailed as saviour|date=2001-05-03|accessdate=2007-01-15|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=News Headlines] but his short-term contract was not renewed at the end of the season.Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/news_headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=276|title=Town hope to replace King by end of week|date=2001-08-01|accessdate=2007-01-15|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=News Headlines]

2001–02: Improvement

Former Liverpool manager Roy Evans was brought in as Director of Football, with 33-year-old former Liverpool defender Neil Ruddock being employed as player-coach.Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/news_headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=288|title=Roy and Razor to lead Town|date=2001-08-03|accessdate=2007-01-15|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=News Headlines] But the pair had both left by Christmas,Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/news_headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=696|title=Going, going gone!|date=2001-12-20|accessdate=2007-01-15|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=News Headlines] with Andy King beginning his second spell as manager.Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/news_headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=702|title=Back at last|date=2001-12-22|accessdate=2007-01-15|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=News Headlines]

2002–03: More financial woe

In December 2002, club benefactor Sir Seton Wills indicated his unwillingness to continue bailing the club out financially - "it's been indicated, by the Wills family, that they're no longer prepared to keep underwriting the losses and quite understandably."Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2005/06/01/stfc_010605_feature.shtml|title=Sir Wills ready to pull plug|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC|work=Where I Live - Swindon] Swindon's biggest shareholder, Sir Seton is estimated to have given the club £10million over the years including underwriting a £800,000 debt from the 2001-02 season.Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2005/06/01/stfc_010605_feature.shtml|title=Sir Wills ready to pull plug|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC|work=Where I Live - Swindon]

On the pitch, Andy King signed the Chelsea reserve striker Sam Parkin,Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/news_headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=1256|title=Parkin joy tempered by warning|date=2002-08-09|accessdate=2007-01-15|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=News Headlines] whose 26 goals in 2002-03 saw Swindon finish tenth in Division Two.

2003–04: Playoff agony

Parkin was joined by former Birmingham and Watford striker Tommy Mooney for the 2003-04 season, and their prolific goalscoring combined helped Swindon achieve a place in the Division Two play-offs, but they lost on penalties to eventual winners Brighton in the play-off semi finals.Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/news_headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=3195|title=We were so lucky – McGhee|date=2004-05-21|accessdate=2007-01-15|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=News Headlines]

On 22 March 2004 the club announced plans to build a new 22,000 seat stadium in the Shaw area of Swindon.Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/3551387.stm|title=Swindon Town choose Shaw Tip site|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC News] The location of a former landfill, the proposal would have seen the erection of "a hotel and a gym, which would add to the club's revenues."Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/3551387.stm|title=Swindon Town choose Shaw Tip site|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC News] The plans submitted were eventually rejected due to environmental complaints over its situation near to the Great Western Community Forest.Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/sport/032004/19/stfc.shtml|title=Town announces plans for new stadium|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC|work=Where I Live - Wiltshire] Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/3918577.stm|title=Stadium plans shelved at meeting|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC News]

2004–05: Failed playoff bid

Swindon failed to make the play-offs in 2004-05 and Parkin was transferred to Championship side Ipswich Town.Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/news_headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=4472|title=King: ‘It’s a very sad day’|date=2005-06-24|accessdate=2007-01-15|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=News Headlines] Andy King drafted in QPR forwards Jamie Cureton and Tony Thorpe,Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/news_headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=4496|title=More To Come|date=2005-07-02|accessdate=2007-01-15|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=News Headlines] but neither player made much of an impact and it was soon clear that Parkin would be a very difficult player to replace successfully.

Off the pitch, the clubs financial situation continued in its state of flux. It was revealed on 24 January 2005 that an unpaid tax bill of £600,000 had led to HM Customs & Excise issuing a winding up petition against the club.Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/4202561.stm|title=Swindon face deadline on tax bill|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC News] The amount was later paid before the deadline of 2 February 2005.Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/4213435.stm|title=New loan secures Swindon's future|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC News] Customs again issued an insolvency order against Swindon Town in August over non-payment of a second tax bill which was finally paid in October.Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/4357432.stm|title=Club is saved after paying bill|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC News] Sir Seton Wills also revealed in May that he and the club's backers had been subsidising the sale of matchday tickets by £6 each.Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/4588483.stm|title=Club shareholder reveals subsidy|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC News]

The club's board indicated that they were losing money due to the facilities at the County Ground not generating enough income to keep the club afloat. Swindon director Bob Holt issued a statement to the town stating - "Please, please come to the games. We know its expensive, but you have to if you want football in Swindon."Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/4206373.stm|title=Swindon Town: One fine mess|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC News|author=Chris Kelly] Earlier in the season the club had announced its new proposal to redevelop the County Ground,Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/3945653.stm|title=Swindon may stay at County Ground|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC News] a plan which received the backing of the local council who own the land.Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/3984187.stm|title=Soccer club stadium plans backed|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC News] Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/4025791.stm|title=Stadium plans get council support|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC News] Chief Executive Bob Holt commented - "We have been at the County Ground for over 100 years and it is only appropriate that we should explore every opportunity to stay here for another 100 years."Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/3984187.stm|title=Soccer club stadium plans backed|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC News]

2005–06: Relegation

A mixed start to the 2005–06 League One campaign cost Andy King his job and youth development officer Iffy Onuora took over on a temporary contract.Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/news_headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=4798|title=Change had to be made says Gray|date=2005-09-27|accessdate=2007-01-15|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=News Headlines]

On 30 November 2005 the club revealed that the proposed redevelopment of the County Ground had run into problems, with Swindon Borough Council raising legal and financial concerns about the scheme.Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/4485860.stm|title=Row could force club out of town|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC News]

Swindon Town F.C. was also scheduled to appear as part of the Sky TV series Big Ron Manager in 2006, which involved former football manager Ron Atkinson acting as a troubleshooter for a club in difficulties. Filming began in December 2005 at the County Ground, with caretaker-manager Iffy Onuora in charge of Swindon at the time. The appearance of Atkinson at the club resulted in widespread press speculation that he was going to take over the management of the team, which was denied.Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/news_headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=5158|title=Can ‘Big Ron’ do a Gordon Ramsay?|date=2006-01-10|accessdate=2007-01-15|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=News Headlines] Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swindon_town/4563400.stm|title=Atkinson's Swindon role clarified|accessdate=2007-02-14|publisher=BBC Sport|year=2005] Following the disruption caused by this and the producers' wish for more backroom access, the television crew were asked to leave the club's premises in January 2006.Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/news_headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=5237|title=Town pull plug on TV adventure|accessdate=2007-02-14|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|year=2006]

Onuora was unable to save Swindon from relegation and they were officially demoted on 29 April 2006 after failing to win their penultimate game of the season.Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/news_headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=5491|title=£200,000 - That’s the price of relegation as Town take drop at Ashton Gate|date=2006-05-01|accessdate=2007-01-15|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=News Headlines] The relegation meant that they became the first ever former Premiership team to be demoted to football's basement league division, although they were joined by Milton Keynes Dons (previously Wimbledon) on the final day of the season.

On May 18, 2006 Dennis Wise agreed to become the new Swindon Town manager. Former boss Iffy Onuora was offered the chance to stay in a reduced capacity but he turned down the offer and left the club with Alan Reeves also departing after eight seasons as a player and coach.A press conference was held on Monday 22 May 2006 with the club officially announcing Wise as Iffy Onuora's replacement,Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/news_headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=5545|title=Dennis and Gus ready for Town challenge|date=2006-05-22|accessdate=2007-01-15|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=News Headlines] Dennis Wise and his assistant manager Gustavo Poyet were in attendance. It was confirmed that Wise and Poyet would be registering themselves as players, this was surprising on Poyet's part as the ex-Real Zaragoza and Chelsea midfielder had retired two years previous after leaving Tottenham Hotspur. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swindon_town/4989058.stm Swindon confirm Wise as Manager] "bbc.co.uk/sport" May 22, 2006]

2006-07: Promotion from League Two

Swindon won their first 6 games of the League Two campaign, putting them top of the division and resulting in Dennis Wise winning the Manager of the Month and Christian Roberts winning the player of the month award.

Shockwaves erupted around the County Ground in October when it was announced that Wise and Poyet had agreed to take over at Leeds United. Former player Phil King commented on the period -

"It is typical Swindon Town isn’t it? We got relegated and it was all doom and gloom but then Dennis and Gus arrive and the mood is lifted. Things were looking great, we win the first six games, Paul Ince arrives, I think all Town fans thought they were in dreamland. Then there are all sorts of boardroom kerfuffles, Bill Power leaves, other people leave and now we lose our manager.You could write a book every week on this club, it is ridiculous really. I am pretty gutted as he was the right man for the job. I thought it was a stepping stone for him but I expected him to be here longer than this."Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/News_Headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=5980|title=You could write a book about Town|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=thisisstfc.co.uk]

This was the second time that Swindon had lost a manager to a team associated with Ken Bates,Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/News_Headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=5985|title=Bodin admits Wise exit is a ‘savage blow’|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=thisisstfc.co.uk] as Glenn Hoddle's move to Chelsea was also arranged by him.

Adrian Williams and Barry Hunter took temporary charge until Paul Sturrock was appointed on November 7 2006.Cite web|url=http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/07112006/4/swindon-appoint-sturrock.html|title=Swindon Appoint Sturrock|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=Sporting Life] Sturrock won his first game against Carlisle United 3-1 at homeCite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/6116368.stm|title=Swindon 3-1 Carlisle|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC Sport] in the first round of the FA Cup and his first league game against Torquay United 1-0 away.Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/6139002.stm|title=Torquay 0-1 Swindon|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC Sport]

On December 16 2006, Swindon recorded their highest attendance of the season so far of 10,010 at a home win against rivals Bristol Rovers.Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_3/6164443.stm|title=Swindon 2-1 Bristol Rovers|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC Sport] The game was marred with supporter trouble which resulted in 11 arrests and saw an area of seating in the Arkell's Stand damaged,Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/6187849.stm|title=Probe after fans ripped up seats|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC Sport] Cite web|url=http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/18122006/1/starnes-vows-severe-action.html|title=Starnes vows 'severe' action|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=TEAMtalk] with the Western Daily Press reporting - "the incident [...] ended with damage to 60 seats after they were used as missiles between opposing fans".Cite web|url=http://www.westpress.co.uk/displayNode.jsp?nodeId=145786&command=displayContent&sourceNode=145786&contentPK=16224108&folderPk=76224|title=Swindon set to ban thugs|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=Western Daily Press]

Swindon Town were knocked out of the FA Cup on January 6 2007 after losing 2-1 away to Crystal Palace.Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/6213901.stm|title=Crystal Palace 2-1 Swindon|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC Sport] After which it was announced that local rivals Bristol Rovers were interested in a ground share at the County Ground whilst the Memorial Stadium is redeveloped,Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/b/bristol_rovers/6267143.stm|title=Rovers lifted by stadium go-ahead|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC Sport] fans and TrustSTFC opposed the move with vice chairman Andy Ratcliffe stating - "I think it’s a double-edged sword to be honest. I quite understand the attraction from the club’s point of view. Obviously it would be extra revenue and that has to be welcome. Against that, I think there is potential for flash points and I think the police and traders would have serious concerns."Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/News_Headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=6258|title=Fans’ fears over pirate invasion|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=thisisstfc.co.uk]

Paul Sturrock was awarded the January Manager of the Month prize after winning four out of five games.Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swindon_town/6342775.stm|title=Sturrock is handed January honour|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC Sport]

tadium development

Mike Bowden joined the Board of Directors on December 13 2006 to take over plans for the redevelopment of the County Ground.Cite web|url=http://uk.sports.yahoo.com/13122006/1/backroom-changes-county-ground.html|title=Backroom changes at County Ground|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=TEAMtalk] He had previously been part of the team assisting Reading with their move to the Madejski Stadium.He announced on December 15 2006 that the club would begin negotiations with Swindon Borough Council in January 2007 with a view to beginning work.Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swindon_town/6182625.stm|title=Swindon board want stadium talks|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC Sport]

General Manager Mike Diamandis spoke of the Stadium Redevelopment plans on 20 December 2006, saying - "We hope to stay at the County Ground and would love to redevelop it into a modern complex. But we have been approached to move to junction 17 of the M4 [near Chippenham] , and it is our jobs to look at that. Our preferred route is to stay in Swindon."Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/6195707.stm|title=New bid for Swindon football club|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC News]

Bill Power announced on January 10 2007 his willingness to back any stadium plan submitted by TrustSTFC, the supporters' trust.Cite web|url=http://www.truststfc.co.uk/news_item.php?id=1021|title=Power lends support to Stadium Plans|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=TrustSTFC] He stated "The Trust plan has much to admire in that both the football club and the local community make significant long-term gains in terms of leisure facilities and sustainable income."Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/News_Headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=6227|title=Power behind stadium scheme|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=thisisstfc.co.uk]

Takeover plans & club financial history revealed

After the 1-0 opening win at Hartlepool United high-ranking Swindon officials Mark Devlin (Chief Executive) and Mike Sullivan (Marketing Manager) along with possible financial investor Bill Power and Devlin's son Stan were involved in a plane crash in Buckinghamshire. No fatalities occurred but all suffered significant injuries. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/beds/bucks/herts/5251548.stm Football club boss in plane crash] "bbc.co.uk" August 7, 2006] [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/gloucestershire/5322610.stm Football boss 'jinxed by crash'] "bbc.co.uk" September 7, 2006]

In mid to late September rumours of troubles behind the scenes began. Rumours emerged of a rift between various parties on Town's board. Potential financial backer Bill Power withdrew all interests with the club citing his plane crash injuries as the reason behind his decision.Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/5368526.stm|title=Power steps down after air crash|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC News]

Elsewhere, after making confidential comments about Dennis Wise known to the media prior to the away League game at Wycombe Wanderers, board member Bob Holt was forced to resign. Chairman Willie Carson stated that Holt had been a 'silly boy' but denied that there was any rift behind-the-scenes.Fact|date=February 2007

Days later long-term backers James & Sir Seton Wills made a statement - signed by James Wills only - indicating that they would cut all ties with the club if they are not respected. The James Wills statement openly criticised Chief Executive Mark Devlin, revealing that the club had overspent by the tune of £750,000 for this year. Wills insisted that Bill Power’s departure from the club was purely because of health reasons and that Power’s £1million investment was in the form of shares but the former investor considers it a loan and wants it back.

Former director Bill Power launched a takeover plan in conjunction with a fans consortium in December which was fraught with difficulties. Initially the club said they had not received any paperwork,Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/News_Headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=6144|title=Takeover hits ‘impasse’ for fans’ consortium|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=thisisstfc.co.uk] the revised submission was then delayed.Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/News_Headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=6158|title=Town takeover bid is ‘imminent’ claims Wilks|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=thisisstfc.co.uk] The club's solicitors announced they had received part of the proposal later that week with Trevor Watkins, of Clarke Willmott, saying - "A brief proposal has been sent but it does not go into anything in detail."Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/News_Headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=6160|title=Ball set rolling|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=thisisstfc.co.uk]

In January 2007 the club responded to the impasse in negotiations with a press release as reported in the Swindon Advertiser -

"Town want 'full details of the individuals involved in the bid, their plans for the club, including the stadium and day to day operation, the monies they will invest and how they intend to engage with other directors and existing shareholders'. The statement said: 'Unless the requested information is provided and a meeting is arranged within the next seven days the club and the Wills family feel they will have no option but to consider this matter closed.'"Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/News_Headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=6249|title=Put up or shut up|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=thisisstfc.co.uk]

The consortium responded -

"We don’t want a slanging match and we certainly don’t want this issue to have a detrimental effect on things on the pitch. Points and issues have been raised and I think the best way to address those is in a confidential meeting, face to face."Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/News_Headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=6256|title=Wilks call for private Town talks|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=thisisstfc.co.uk]

"We wrote to the club just over a week ago and their solicitors acknowledged that letter. We have so far had no response though about when we can all have a face-to-face meeting. We propose a meeting to discuss all the issues, because it just seems the sensible thing to do. To be honest I am not surprised by anything they do anymore. They can say all the threats and deadlines they want but we won’t come to an end of the matter until they sit down and talk to us."Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/News_Headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=6269|title=‘It’s up to you!’|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=thisisstfc.co.uk]

The club responded to this request with the issuance of a statement reading "In good faith, the club, through its lawyers, are arranging a mutually convenient time for a meeting with Bill Power and his representatives to take place in order to make progress in this matter. It is hoped that this meeting will take place next week."Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/News_Headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=6273|title=‘Let’s talk’|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=thisisstfc.co.uk]

Following this meeting, Bill Power sent a letter to all members of the trust re-affirming his commitment to the takeover bid and also saying - "I am committed to fans owning a share in the club and taking part in the club as a business, as well as enjoying direct influences at board level through elected supporter directors."Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/News_Headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=6277|title=Fans to get the Power|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=thisisstfc.co.uk]

Swindon chief executive Mark Devlin resigned on February 6 2007 citing medical reasons relating to his plane crash at the start of the season for his departure.Cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swindon_town/6335497.stm|title=Swindon chief Devlin leaves club|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC Sport] Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/News_Headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=6318|title=‘I’m moving on’|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=thisisstfc.co.uk]

Mike Diamandis, who first began working with the club as the programme manger in 1990, gave his first ever public interview in December 2006 describing his role and the financial history of the club.Diamandis first joined the club's investors when he was invited to buy the shares that Steve McMahon had left, which he bought through a member of his staff to keep his name off of the clubs records. He said he did this to prevent any accusations of conflict of interest.Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2006/12/19/mike_diamandis_feature.shtml|title=Interview with Mike Diamandis|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC|work=Where I Live - Swindon]

He became involved as a member of back-room staff when the club asked him to find investors in 2000, on viewing the club's finances at the time he said "I was pretty taken aback by what I'd seen",Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2006/12/19/mike_diamandis_feature.shtml|title=Interview with Mike Diamandis|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC|work=Where I Live - Swindon] the club had recently received £3.5million and he was "shocked that so soon after such a big investment the club needed another £1.5million to stay afloat".Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2006/12/19/mike_diamandis_feature.shtml|title=Interview with Mike Diamandis|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC|work=Where I Live - Swindon]

Part of the group that arranged insolvency, he negotiated the provision of £125,000 each from Willie Carson and Cliff Puffet before an administrator was appointed. At one point Cliff Puffett asked him to help fund that months salary, which he refused whilst demanding to know why there was a money hole.Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2006/12/19/mike_diamandis_feature.shtml|title=Interview with Mike Diamandis|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC|work=Where I Live - Swindon]

He was instrumental in creating the consortium to re-take over the club and bring it out of administration. Bob Holt, Willie Carson and Cliff Puffet again invested £125,000 each and developers St Modwen Properties provided capital to the scheme. 10 months later the group regained control from the club's creditors saying "We only got control by a mistake they made in that they spent too long electing a board and arranging an AGM".Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2006/12/19/mike_diamandis_feature.shtml|title=Interview with Mike Diamandis|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC|work=Where I Live - Swindon]

With the club out of administration, Sir Seton Wills returned and gave the 3 investors their money back. St Modwen Properties invested £3million into the club after being promised the contract for any improvements to the ground or any future move. The club then raised £750,000 to continue to keep the club afloat, including investment from Bill Power.Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/news_headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=6167|title='Trust's bid is utter nonsense'|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|work=thisisstfc.co.uk]

Diamandis comments on his role - "my expertise is crisis management"Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2006/12/19/mike_diamandis_feature.shtml|title=Interview with Mike Diamandis|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC|work=Where I Live - Swindon] and "I believe I've spent all my life learning how to rescue Swindon Town". He called the Wills family "benefactors of the past and benefactors of the future"Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2006/12/19/mike_diamandis_feature.shtml|title=Interview with Mike Diamandis|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC|work=Where I Live - Swindon] and states that 5 years ago the clubs balance sheet showed them owing £14million to creditors, in December 2006 Swindon Town's account was £2million in the black.Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2006/12/19/mike_diamandis_feature.shtml|title=Interview with Mike Diamandis|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC|work=Where I Live - Swindon]

He announced the possibility of a new investor saying that "they are a seriously successful new entrepreneur that run a new company [...] a top 1000 company",Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2006/12/19/mike_diamandis_feature.shtml|title=Interview with Mike Diamandis|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC|work=Where I Live - Swindon] he did not name this party but said that "he lives in the area [...] and is a neighbour of Sir Seton" who lives in Chilton Foliat.Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2006/12/19/mike_diamandis_feature.shtml|title=Interview with Mike Diamandis|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC|work=Where I Live - Swindon]

The club continues to pay the creditors agreement of £100,000 yearly, a figure Diamandis states is 2% of the club's annual turnover. He also stated that the Bryan Adams concert at the County Ground to raise funds for the club "never made any money, I think it only made £19,000".Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2006/12/19/mike_diamandis_feature.shtml|title=Interview with Mike Diamandis|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC|work=Where I Live - Swindon] The club had to source £500,000 at the beginning of the season to pay players wages following relegation, if the club are promoted at the end of the 2006-07 season - "I'm hoping in the summer that we'll be able to restructure and find a balance in the books".Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2006/12/19/mike_diamandis_feature.shtml|title=Interview with Mike Diamandis|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC|work=Where I Live - Swindon]

Reading's increased turnover of £13million in 2005 after moving to the Madejski Stadium is a goal for the club, Diamandis joked "if we can stop pulling ourselves apart the future could be.. orange",Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2006/12/19/mike_diamandis_feature.shtml|title=Interview with Mike Diamandis|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC|work=Where I Live - Swindon] an allusion to the companies slogan "The Future's Bright, The Future's Orange".

He said that although the club had received the offer of a move to Chippenham - "our preferred route is to stay in Swindon and redevelop the County Ground"Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2006/12/19/mike_diamandis_feature.shtml|title=Interview with Mike Diamandis|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC|work=Where I Live - Swindon] and that "its in the public domain that this club has needed money each year to keep it going"Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2006/12/19/mike_diamandis_feature.shtml|title=Interview with Mike Diamandis|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC|work=Where I Live - Swindon] even to the extent that his own business is owed money from the club of around £136,000 in past printing costs for brochures and publicity material.Cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/wiltshire/content/articles/2006/12/19/mike_diamandis_feature.shtml|title=Interview with Mike Diamandis|accessdate=2007-02-08|publisher=BBC|work=Where I Live - Swindon]

ponsorship and Logo change

After ten years of sponsorship, Nationwide announced that after the revelation of more financial problems within the club, they were to terminate the sponsorship deal at the end of the 2006-07 season, this also included the cessation of Stadium Sponsorship. Swindon Town finance director Sandy Gray said on 24 November 2006 - "We are in negotiations with someone already. They are very keen to do a sponsorship deal in the football league." [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/wiltshire/6180852.stm Swindon Town seeks new bail out] "bbc.co.uk" November 24, 2006]

On 2007-06-07 it was announced that Kingswood Construction, a local development company, would undertake a five year sponsorship of the club. The £100,000 a year contract included both shirt and stand sponsorship.Cite web|url=http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/sportlatest/display.var.1452779.0.swindon_town_town_set_to_unveil_their_new_sponsor.php|title=Town set to unveil their new sponsor|accessdate=2007-06-07|publisher=Swindon Advertiser|author=Steve Butt]

On April 5 2007 the club unveiled plans to change the badge claiming the diamond badge was correct for the time but did not represent or show any of the clubs heritage or history.Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/news_headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=6528|title=Swindon’s crest set to change|accessdate=2007-05-01|date=2007-04-05|publisher=Swindon Advertiser] Swindon offered fans the chance to vote on-line for the three new choices, which were all similar to the original steam train design, and a fourth option of keeping the 1991 design.

On April 23 2007, it was announced that option three of the logo vote was the winner of the poll.Cite web|url=http://www.thisisstfc.co.uk/news_headlines_Story.asp?NewsID=6587|title=Town decide on new badge|accessdate=2007-05-01|date=2007-04-23|publisher=Swindon Advertiser] Winning the vote with 68 per cent in favour, the new badge includes the club name, a Robin, a train - the rail industry being an important part of the Town's heritage - a football, and re-introduces the town's motto - 'Salubritas et Industria'. It will be used from the beginning of the 2007-08 season.

2007–08: League One

After much negotiations Swindon Town were taken over by a new consortium during the early stages of the 2007/08 campaign. The appointed chairman-designate being the American Jim Little also announcing former-QPR defender Rufus Brevett as Sporting Director and Portuguese agent José Veiga as General Manager.

Paul Sturrock resigned as manager during the season to return to Plymouth Argyle (he had previously been there earlier in the decade) and his successor Maurice Malpas secured Swindon's League One status as they finished 13th with 61 points. [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/default.stm]

Notes

References

*cite book
author=Mattick, Dick
title=100 Greats: Swindon Town Football Club
publisher=Tempus
year=2002
id=ISBN 0-7524-2714-8
*cite book
title=The Robins - The Story of Swindon Town Football Club
last=Mattick
first=Dick
year=1989
publisher=Sporting and Leisure press
location=Buckingham
id=ISBN 0-86023-460-6
*cite web
url=http://www.fchd.info/
title=Football Club History Database
accessdate=January 16
accessyear=2007
*cite web
url=http://www.swindon-town-fc.co.uk/
title=swindon-town-fc.co.uk archive
accessdate=January 16
accessyear=2007
*cite web
url=http://www.swindontownfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/History/0,,10341,00.html
title=STFC Then and Now
work=Club History
publisher=Swindon Town Football Club
accessdate=February 4
accessyear=2007