SWINDON Town defender Chris Robertson believes it’s important to create a team environment during pre-season training as they mount a promotion challenge back to League One.

Along with the other five new signings and a new management team, there were also several youngsters training with the squad.

Academy graduates Scott Twine, Tom Ouldridge and Jordan Simpson all linked up with the first-team for the first time on June 27th.

With an average age of just 21 years and 200 days at the beginning of last season, Swindon Town fans were left feeling aggrieved by the lack of experience within their ranks.

However with Robertson, Ben Purkiss and Olly Lancashire all over the age of 28, it looks as if new boss David Flitcroft has looked to address the problem. After being the first to arrive, the 31-year-old thinks it is important the more senior players look to encourage the younger faces.

“It was probably an easy day (first day of pre-season), you always get broken in fairly easy, I think there are a few more players to sign so I think we need to get them boxed off as soon as possible and then we can concentrate on the team,” said Robertson. “You want people to feel comfortable around you, so with the younger lads they’re not normally all out, they are a little bit more shy.

“It’s trying to bring that out of them and make sure feel comfortable around the place, on and off of the pitch.”

The former AFC Wimbledon man is also keen to rebuild the faith between the club and its supporters, who were left infuriated after watching the club relegated to the bottom tier of the Football League last season.

The central defender also pointed out the advantages of having a thin squad ahead of the new League Two campaign. “It’s a blank canvas so hopefully he can bring in who he wants and the sooner the better for the team, the squad and the fans, I’m sure they’re looking forward to seeing who is coming in.

“With the not so good times after the last year or so, trying to change the way they’re feeling at the end of the day that is getting the right players in and hopefully he can do that.”