SWINDON Town have made moves towards offering goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux a new contract, with Phil Brown giving the former Liverpool stopper the green light to carry on playing out from the back.

The County Ground deal of Vigouroux concludes next summer but Town hope to leave themselves in a position where even if the 24-year-old departs, he will do so to the club’s benefit rather than as a free agent.

Vigouroux’s Swindon career has been full of highs and lows, his performances earning him rave reviews throughout his three-year stay but disciplinary issues also rearing their head, including a spell being farmed out to League of Ireland side Waterford FC after a fall-out with former boss David Flitcroft last season.

Brown though, remains an unashamed fan of his number one, insisting he won’t be reining in the player’s free spirit, notwithstanding the sort of error that gifted Macclesfield their second goal in Saturday’s 3-2 League Two triumph.

Speaking on a phone-in on BBC Wiltshire, Brown said: “I’ve been more than impressed with Lawrence Vigouroux and I’m talking about his ability.

“Yes, we witness a little bit of a mistake last Saturday, which I expect. He’s the type of goalkeeper that wants the ball and play the right way and I’m encouraging him to do that.

“If the fans are not happy with that, then I’m the wrong man for the job because I want to play football the right way.

“He (Vigouroux) doesn’t make mistakes deliberately. It’s a pre-requisite these days, you have to be able to play the ball if you want to go higher these days and Lawrence has still got that ambitions, if not with this club then with somebody else.’’

Brown revealed chairman Lee Power had backed his call to try and secure Vigouroux’s future in Wiltshire, adding: “I’ve heard a lot of people say that Lawrence is the best goalkeeper in this division, if not the one above and he needs to perform on a consistent basis.

“With that in mind, my recommendation to the chairman is to resign Lawrence on an extended contract. The encouraging part from my perspective is that Lee Power wants to do that.

“We’re in talks with Lawrence. We’re trying to avoid that (going for free next summer), but the player will always be in the driving seat where that is concerned. If a deal is thrown at him it’s up to him to make that decision, whether he wants to be at Swindon Town Football Club or not.

“At the same time, if he wants a good move in a positive direction, he has to perform for Swindon Town, whether it’s in January or at the end of the season he moves, or his signs a new contract. All three of those possibilities are on the table.

“I think that’s a sign of good management – keeping your options open – that’s what we’re trying to do where Lawrence is concerned.’’