MICHAEL Timlin admits Chris Coleman's departure has left him with it all to prove again at Craven Cottage - but not before ensuring a promotion campaign is added to his CV.

The Town midfielder, on loan from Fulham, described the sacking of his former manager as a "huge disappointment", but insists he has enough faith in his own ability to impress Coleman's successor.

With another year already guaranteed at Craven Cottage, Timlin is more concerned at present with helping Town secure promotion to League One and insists he has no complaints if that involves being just a squad player'.

Since missing the 3-2 win at Lincoln through suspension, Timlin has only been able to play a bit part in Town's charge due to the unlikely emergence of striker-turned-midfielder Lee Peacock.

But with four games remaining and six points ahead of third spot, the Fulham man insists it is all about promotion now, no matter who plays.

He said: "I have spoken to Paul Sturrock and he has explained how it is hard for him to change a winning team. I would not expect him to. I want to be playing, of course I do, but the main aim has to be promotion. Before I return to Fulham, I want to be able to boast a promotion with Swindon on my CV, that would look good for any new manager.

"The suspension did come at the wrong time for me.

"Me and Michael Pook had a good combination going and had a really good game at Grimsby.

"We were both singled out by the boss.

"I will have to learn from this because if you are unavailable for a game, the chances are you will lose your place to someone else and then have to wait a while.

"All I can do though is keep working hard and hopefully I have impressed the manager enough with my professionalism."

The 22-year-old former Eire under-21 skipper admits Coleman's dismissal "surprised" him but insisted there was no panic with a contract already signed for next season.

He said: "It is funny. I was talking with Ady Williams about it on Tuesday and I said I could not see Coleman being sacked.

"It is very disappointing for me because I played with him and then when he became manager he brought me through the ranks.

"He has showed a lot of faith in me and I wish him all the best.

Hopefully a good manager will come in and I am confident I will be able to impress him in pre-season.

"At the moment all the focus is on Swindon and Bury on Saturday."