JON-PAUL McGovern admits he has had to change manager Danny Wilson’s opinion of him in order to hold down a regular place in Swindon’s starting line-up.

The midfielder was seemingly on his way out of the County Ground this time last year, and the Advertiser understands he was told he could leave on loan after being an unused substitute on the opening day of the campaign.

But McGovern fought his way back into the side and had one of the best seasons of his career, racking up the most assists in League One and becoming a firm fans’ favourite.

And the 29-year-old, who signed a new two-year contract earlier this year, is hopeful that he has now earned Wilson’s trust.

“It was always going to be a big season for me,” McGovern told the Advertiser.

“I came to the club and we were struggling a bit both on and off the pitch. But we have made some fantastic signings which have helped me.

“This year we have played some real football which is my type of game – I’m not going to suddenly run down the line, out-pace someone and beat three or four players. That isn’t my game.

“I look to play a pass, a killer pass, and I think I’ve done that quite well this year.

“When he first came in I don’t know if the manager was a big fan of me, but that’s just football.

“If you’re doing well and doing all you can do then you leave it up to him. And I’ve been lucky enough that he believed in me as the season’s gone on and I would like to think I have repaid him.”