EXPERIENCED stopper Steve Mildenhall is expected to join Swindon Town as the club’s new goalkeeping coach, the Advertiser understands.

Mildenhall, 39, has more than 450 Football League appearances to his name after starting his career at the County Ground before moving onto clubs including Notts County, Yeovil, Southend and Bristol Rovers.

The Swindon-born coach replaces Dean Thornton following his departure to link up with the Taiwan national team.

Swindon Town boss Phil Brown said: “He’s a former player at the football club and knows what Swindon is about, he still lives in the area.

“I’m delighted to bring him in. And it takes a bit of pressure of Luke McCormick who has been doing the coaching while that gap has not been filled.

“I’ve certainly improved the goalkeeping department and I’ve certainly improved the midfield department.”

Brown has openly admitted he is currently lacking power in his back four and up front, especially following Marc Richards’ injury picked up in a pre-season friendly against Melksham Town – ruling him out until September.

But the Town boss revealed he is making good progress with two defenders and one forward ahead of the club’s latest pre-season friendly at Swindon Supermarine on Friday.

He said: “I’ve probably got a couple of defenders to bring in to improve that department.

“And finally one more striker which we’re working at right now.

“We’re moving in the right directions and hopefully before the season starts we will have a couple more announcements.”