THE importance of Swindon Town’s pre-season training tour to Spain has been underlined by manager Phil Brown, who is gaining a greater understanding of his side’s character.

Town jetted off to southern Europe on Sunday night following their 3-1 and 5-2 wins against Cirencester Town and Melksham Town respectively in their two opening pre-season games.

While the tour hasn’t included any competitive games, Brown – who first took charge at the Energy Check County Ground in March – said the five days away have presented him with the opportunity to form a greater understanding of his squad’s character.

That will be a vital cog in Town’s wheel when the club comes under inevitable pressure throughout the season, according to the manager.

“On and off the pitch, it’s been beneficial,” said Brown.

“We’re a club that works 24/7, so living on top of each other for a week and getting to know characters is something we have to do.

“It helps during the season when the pressure goes up.

“We’ve been working three sessions a day, and I must say the facilities here are top drawer.

“The training ground, the hotel, the food – everything here is first class.”

Meanwhile, Brown, who was rocked by the news that Marc Richards will be missing for two months with a shoulder injury, was dealt an additional blow this week when goalkeeping coach Dean Thornton announced his departure from the club.

Thornton, who joined Town in summer 2016, will now head east to take up the goalkeeping coach role at the Taiwan national team.

In Thornton’s absence, new Town recruit Luke McCormick has stepped in to work with goalkeepers Lawrence Vigouroux and Will Henry.

Admitting that Town will miss Thornton’s work ethic, Brown heaped praise on the former coach.

He said: “It’s important to thank Dean for his efforts at the football club.

“Ever since I arrived, Dean has been first class. He’s been outstanding with regards to when I first came to the football club, and obviously he was helping Matt (Taylor) as assistant before then.

“We’ll miss him, but he’s looking to work abroad and no one can stop him.

“Luke (McCormick) is doing some great work out here in Spain at the moment covering for Dean (Thornton).

“At this stage, I’m looking to fill the role before the start of the season and have two or three in line for interview.”