SWINDON Town’s new owners hope to appoint a replacement for Paolo Di Canio before the weekend trip to Coventry.

The Advertiser understands the Robins’ board is keen to bring in a manager after watching Town’s meek performances in the 1-1 draw with Preston last weekend and the 1-0 home defeat to lowly Bury on Tuesday night.

Several candidates have put their names forward for the role, while a national newspaper reported last night that Swindon have already failed in an attempt to bring Glenn Hoddle back to the County Ground and that an offer is being prepared for Crawley duo Richie Barker and Steve Coppell.

However, the Adver understands no such approaches have been made or are being considered.

Speculation linking Town with Exeter boss Paul Tisdale intensified yesterday when it emerged that he would not be undertaking his pre-match media commitments today, but it is believed that the Grecians’ manager will not be joining Swindon.

McCrory met with joint caretaker player managers Darren Ward and Tommy Miller yesterday to discuss the direction of the club’s management structure for the remainder of the campaign, and it is understood that the pair agree drafting in a new boss is the correct move at this stage.

The Town hierarchy will now look to make an appointment as soon as possible, with the intention of securing a manager in time for the visit to the Ricoh Arena.

After the loss to Bury, Miller stated that a “new voice” was needed to guide the Robins to promotion from League One.

Meanwhile, Di Canio has confirmed that he will not be returning to Swindon Town as manager.

The Italian quit the County Ground last week citing “broken promises” made by the previous board at the club, but pockets of fans had hoped that the extrovert former Lazio forward would make a remarkable U-turn and come back to the the Robins following the purchase of Town by new owners.

However, that was never likely and Di Canio revealedthat his “chapter” with Swindon is closed.

“I don’t want any more from now that someone speculates with my name and tells people that maybe one day I can come back,” he told Sky Sports News.

“That is not fair for the fans and so my chapter at Swindon is finished in terms of being manager of Swindon Football Club.

“I’m a straight man, I handled a situation this year that was absolutely incredible and one day I came out to say it was untenable. The regret is only that we brought this club to the top in an incredible environment this year, without any help.”