SWINDON Town manager David Flitcroft has sent his best wishes to captain Olly Lancashire, who left the County Ground at half-time during today’s defeat to Barnet to be with his wife for the birth of their child.

The 28-year-old was replaced by Dion Conroy at the break, with Town trailing 2-0 at home to the Bees.

However, the reason for his early removal was so that he could drive to Manchester to be with his wife and family.

“We got a phone call from Lancashire’s family that his wife had gone into labour,” explained manager David Flitcroft after the game.

“I spoke to him at half time and decided that he needed to be at home with his family, so he has flown up the motorway to try and get home to support his wife and his new born.

“We thought there was something last week and then it’s about the right time, I think she was due this week.

“The physio and performance coach have had his phone with them all the time making sure (he’s kept updated).

“It’s not as though she is living down here, her support network is in Manchester at the minute.

“Before we even signed him, we knew she was pregnant and I said to him at the time, ‘football is a big deal but family is the biggest deal in everything that you do.’ Family is more important than football.

“You could see at half time, his face was blank, he’s had a worry and wants to be with his wife and new born.

“We just wish him and his family the best with that.”