FORMER Town midfielder Tom Jones insists Paul Sturrock & Co can not afford to rest on their laurels, claiming his former club should be aiming for the Championship at least.

Jones, who is now Armenia coach, has tracked the Robins' progress with interest over the years and believes last season's promotion has to be the start of better things to come.

The former Reading and Aberdeen midfielder remembers headier times at the County Ground, playing his part in a successful second division, now League One, play-off campaign.

He never got the chance to play with Town in the top flight after their demotion that summer due to financial irregularities, but is adamant Town fans deserve more than they have been getting.

He said: "Despite being abroad over the last few years I have been watching the club's results with interest and am delighted to see they have progressed out of the bottom league.

"It is good to see Swindon back. I really don't believe that is where they belong though. They are a big club with a big history and to be in the bottom league was a massive disappointment.

"From my point of view the club are a Championship side.

"That has been shown in the past but I guess there is no point talking about where they should be. They have to prove it on the field now."

During his four years in Wiltshire between 1988 to 1992, Jones built a reputation as a classy central midfielder.

He played a major role in the promotion-winning season of 1989/90 and was a regular member of the squad for the following two seasons, before Glenn Hoddle sold him to rivals Reading before the start of the 1992/93 season.

He said: "I remember the crowds we used to get at Swindon. The County Ground was often full and that shows the enthusiasm there is in the town for the team.

"My two boys are season-ticket holders and it was great to see the County Ground full again for the end of last season.

"Hopefully the team can start well next season, that will keep the enthusiasm and then I am sure it will be built on for more success in the future."