HEAD coach Luke Williams believes it is crucial for Swindon Town to get their transfer business done as early as possible as they look to rebuild in League Two next season.

Town made nine new signings last summer but only three of those joined the club prior to the first game of the season, leaving Williams with limited options to choose from in the opening month.

Williams is scheduled to meet with Town chairman Lee Power this week to fully dissect as disastrous 2016-17 campaign which saw the club relegated from League One, where the former’s future as head coach is almost certain to be on the agenda.

Williams only signed a five-year contract in his role little over a year ago and stated on numerous occasions during the back end of the season that he will not walk away when the going gets tough.

Town’s seven loan players have already left the club, while a further 13 – including skipper Nathan Thompson, striker Jonathan Obika and midfielder Yaser Kasim – see their current contracts expire this summer.

Of those, so far the club have only announced that Ellis Iandolo will remain at the County Ground for next season.

Whatever happens, Town are sure to face a hefty summer recruitment drive as they prepare to adjust to a new life in the bottom tier of the Football League and Williams is eager for signings to be made sooner rather than later.

“My personal opinion is that the earlier the group of players can be settled in together and work together, the better,” said Williams.

“I spoke previously about the likes of Michael Doughty coming in at the end (of pre-season), I think you would make an exception for that kind of man, that kind of character.

“Michael was very much in contention to play for QPR, had run hard, had played in pre-season friendlies and therefore you are bringing in a player that is really up to speed rather than trying to bring somebody in because you have left yourself short.

“That doesn’t mean that that is what we have done with players here, potentially we could have a settled group going into the season as opposed to playing catch up.”

The list of players retained by Town had been expected to be released this week but so far only the departures of Jamie Sendles-White, Jordan Stewart, Bradley Barry and Brandon-Ormonde-Ottewill have been confirmed.