SWINDON Town skipper Nathan Thompson admits it was hard for the team to find their rhythm as he reflected on a season of ‘upheaval’.

Three managers, four if chairman Lee Power’s three games in caretaker charge are included, and 39 players, including 10 loan players, saw Swindon flirt both with relegation and the play-offs in a topsy-turvy campaign.

Thompson, who only made 24 appearances due to his own injuries and suspensions, believed that lack of stability cost them but hopes the young side can learn as he already looks forward to next season.

“It’s been a season of highs and lows and I think, if we’re honest, one we’re thankful to see the back of,” he said.

“With a huge turnover of players last summer, followed by numerous injuries and then changes in management, it’s been a season of upheaval and one where it has been difficult to find our rhythm.

“Nevertheless, we can still draw positives and I think success in football is cyclical, so the opportunity afforded to players this year will stand them (and the team) in great stead for next season.

“(In the 2013/14 campaign) we gave the likes of Nathan Byrne, Massimo Luongo, Ben Gladwin and my brother (Louis) opportunities.

“They learnt from their mistakes and built on it the following season so if we can take anything from this year it’s that we’ve been able to do that and who knows what next year has in store for us.

“I’ve said from day one that next year will be our chance.”

Despite the lows of the season, Thompson believed there were positives to take out of the campaign, mainly the young players who were given their chance.

Will Henry made an impact when he was thrown in at the deep end at Rochdale where he saved a penalty on debut before keeping a clean sheet in his home debut, while Bradley Barry was also singled out by the skipper who was impressed by the 21-year-old’s debut season as he stood in for Town’s skipper.

“One player who didn’t just take his opportunity, he absolutely owned it, is Will Henry,” he added.

“At 17 years old, having had three ‘keepers stand in front of him, his work ethic and determination allowed him to show his potential (against Rochdale).

“Many managers believe that young players with no games to their name aren’t ready for first team football.

“Will Henry proved he was more than ready and a ‘keeper with 500 games to his name couldn’t have performed better.

“Another player I’d like to give special mention to is Brad Barry.

“Having had our Supporters’ Awards ceremony last Thursday, I was surprised he wasn’t placed in their top three.

“Having come to the club on trial at the start of the season, he’s managed to play 40 games this season which I don’t think he or many people would have predicted back in the summer.

“His professionalism, honesty and ability has rewarded him in game time and his consistency has been incredible for such a young player.”