STEVE Adams insists Town should be aiming for the upper echelons of League One after landing himself a short-term contract at the County Ground.

The former Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth Argyle midfielder is set to sign a six-month deal with the Robins as he continues his rehabilitation from an achilles ankle injury.

Adams will link up with Paul Sturrock for a third time after impressing the manager during Town's hectic pre-season programme.

And he believes his mentor could be the man to guide Swindon into the Championship at the first time of asking.

"Paul Sturrock's record speaks for itself. He's won four promotions in six seasons," said Adams.

"He's an ambition manager and I'd like to think I am ambitious too. I'd like to be pushing up the league table.

"Paul has changed a little bit over the years. He's mellowed a little since we last worked together.

"But at half time against Exeter he lost his head, and rightly so. I've seen that a few times before but the players deserved it."

Speaking after last night's 3-0 friendly win over Forest Green Rovers, Adams said he was relieved to have sorted out his future.

He said: "The six month contract keeps me ticking over until Christmas.

"I did a lot of work on my own before I came to train with Swindon, so it's a nice little reward for me.

"I just feel I need a bit more sharpness now, but that will come with more games."

Adams played 45 minutes at the New Lawn as Swindon left it late to put their Conference National counterparts to bed.

A sublime brace from Spaniard Ibon Arrieta, who will also sign a contract this week, and a tap-in from newcomer Kaid Mohamed gave the scoreline a flattering edge in a match which Forest Green bossed for long spells.

Sturrock described the 1-0 win at Exeter on Saturday as the "worst performance" of the pre-season to date, but he didn't even hang around to give his thoughts on proceedings in Nailsworth.

But for the first half heroics of Peter Brezovan in goal and the deadly finishing of Arrieta, Town could have been starring an embarrassing defeat in the face.

Adams did his chances of selection for the League One opener at Northampton no harm however, with another quietly accomplished display in the centre of the park.

But he knows he faces stiff competition for Michael Pook and Craig Easton, both of whom went close to scoring last night.

"The gaffer likes to play a 4-4-2 formation so there's going to be real competition for places," said Adams.

"With Craig Easton, Michael Pook and myself all battling it out for two places in the centre of midfield it is going to be tough.

"It's down to the manager to decide who is worth a starting place now."

Swindon Town: Peter Brezovan, Jack Smith, Miguel Comminges, Michael Pook, Jerel Ifil, Jamie Vincent, Christian Roberts, Craig Easton, Blair Sturrock, Lee Peacock, Sofiene Zaaboub. Substitutes (from): Phil Smith, Chris Blackburn, Callum Kennedy, Steve Adams, Chris Allen, Andy Caton, Ibon Arrieta, Kaid Mohammed.