MICHAEL Timlin is more qualified than most to know what will be required next season if Swindon are to secure promotion back to League One at the first attempt.

The midfielder first arrived at the County Ground the last time they were in the Football League's basement division, becoming Paul Sturrock's first signing for the club on a season-long loan from Fulham.

Timlin featured regularly as Sturrock guided the club to promotion back to the third tier, where they stayed for four years before succumbing to relegation again this season.

The 26-year-old acknowledged that the Scot played a big part in Swindon's success that season, but also believes a strong team spirit was a major factor as well.

Timlin told the Advertiser: “Paul Sturrock took over from Dennis Wise and I was his first signing, coming in on loan and staying until the end of the season as we won promotion to League One.

“He (Sturrock) has proven that he knows how to get teams out of leagues. He has done it with Sheffield Wednesday, he has done it with Plymouth and Swindon and is now trying to do it with Southend, so you have to give him credit.

“I also think that at that time we seemed to have a knack of winning games in the last 10 minutes or draw when we were losing. There was a never-say-die attitude, and a good team spirit.

“We also had good consistency which got us there in the end, so that is what I think we need in League Two. If a team goes on a good run and shows good consistency then there is no reason why they cannot go all the way up, as Accrington have proven this season.”

Timlin is still waiting to discover if he will be back at the County Ground for pre-season with his contract due to expire in the summer.

It will be down to the new manager to make the final decision on the nine out of contract players, but Timlin remains hopeful he will be playing in Town colours once again come August.

“I need to speak with Swindon first and foremost and see what happens,” he added.

“But I will need to make sure I come back fully focused and energised for the task ahead. It will be a tough season next season but there is no reason we cannot get out of the league.”