TOWN returned to form with a bang last weekend as Mark Cooper’s 3-6-1 formation helped raise the performance of our on-loan Chelsea midfielder John Swift.

Since Swift’s arrival he has seemed to divide opinion with fans and I can see why Chelsea have sent him down the M4 and into the hands of Mark Cooper and his team.

I would always prefer Swindon to play two strikers up front when you play at home, but the manager’s tactics paid off and gave Swift a chance to impress in his preferred position, playing just behind the striker.

He is superb at running with the ball, and taking on opponents, but he has admitted himself he needs to learn when to find that key pass and needs to become a lot stronger when taking on defenders.

After a few years of playing in the academy for Chelsea, the 19-year-old wouldn’t have come across many Football League defenders, the type who like to see how high he can kick a player instead of the ball.

This is why I’m pleased to see Town giving young players from the Premier League a stage to perform and learn their trade.

It’s great to see former Town loanee Ryan Mason now starting on a weekly basis in the Spurs first team, and making the starting XI in the recent League Cup final.

It’s something Swindon have always prided themselves in, as they helped develop both James Milner and Michael Carrick in their young careers.

It wouldn’t surprise me to see Jack Stephens follow in Mason’s footsteps in the Premier League and play a role in Southampton’s first team next season after his superb campaign for Town in both defence and midfield.

Sometimes it is frustrating to see players move up the ladder while we continue to watch Town in League One.

But it is vital for the progression of English football to let players learn in the Football League before hopefully making it in the Premier League.

I understand that you need to blend a mix of experience and youth to create a successful team.

But I will always enjoy seeing potential stars of the future, and Town playing a role in their development.

After a straightforward home win last weekend, Swindon now face a month on the road with three away games in succession.

With eleven games remaining in League One, it’s safe to say that no team will now catch Bristol City at the top of the table, they can now start planning for next season, but second place is still up for grabs.

Preston North End currently sit two points clear of Town with a game in hand, Swindon are relying on other teams doing them a favour, but get a chance themselves in the penultimate game of the season at Deepdale.

Town begin their run of away fixtures at Port Vale this weekend, hoping to repeat last season’s success where a three goal second half comeback secured all the points for Mark Cooper’s side.

Follow me on Twitter @danwjonson

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here

Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here