SWINDON Town boss Phil Brown is on the look out for a strong character as he looks to assemble his backroom staff at the Energy Check County Ground.

During his 10-match stint at the end of last term, prior to him being given a two-year deal by chairman Lee Power, Brown was joined by long-term assistant Brian Horton.

However, the former Hull City boss told the Swindon Advertiser earlier this week that Horton will not be returning this season, and is therefore on the hunt for a new number two.

"I like to have a strong backroom staff that players can turn to in moments of need," said the 59-year-old.

"There will be plenty of those moments next season. Hopefully not desperate moments, but moments where one or two answers are needed from problems caused in games.

"It's a long season, it's a long pre-season.

"A lot of commitment will be required, and if I get that from my backroom staff with the quality I'm hopefully bringing in, who knows where it can take us."

Brown also made the trip to see goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux play for Waterford in a visit to Ireland, which also doubled up as a scouting mission as the club look to finalise plans for a pre-season tour.

"That's why I went over to Waterford, I travelled to Dublin on Monday afternoon and then I went to see the facility at Waterford," added Brown.

"I watched Lawrence (Vigouroux) play against Dundalk.''

The club have also announced a second pre-season home friendly as they welcome Championship side West Bromwich Albion to the County Ground this summer.

The Baggies, who recently appointed Darren Moore as their new head coach, were relegated from the Premier League at the end of this season and are previous friendly visitors to the County Ground, having won 4-1 in Wiltshire in July 2015.

It will be Town's opening home summer friendly, with League One Portsmouth to follow seven days later.

Ticket prices will be adults £8, concessions £5, children (11 & under) £2.

Town have also pencilled in away friendlies at Cirencester Town (Tuesday, July 3, 7.45pm), Melksham Town (Tuesday, July 10, 7.45pm) and Chippenham Town (Tuesday, July 17, 7.45pm).