AFTER two years and three months in the hot seat at Swindon, Mark Cooper was relieved of his duties last Saturday after Town suffered another humiliating defeat.

When he was promoted to manager in July 2013, I was skeptical of his appointment and didn’t think he would last till the end of the season.

Fast-forward 22 months and Cooper has led his team out at Wembley for the League One play-off final, a remarkable achievement for him and the chairman.

Overall, Cooper did a good job at Town and I thank him for two enjoyable seasons.

Just like in May, when both the manager and the chairman were taking the praise for a superb season, both men should be held responsible for the utter mess that is currently at the County Ground.

Tuesday night was a shambles from the first to the last whistle - the team looked like they had never met before; 11 strangers all trying to second guess each other.

Last season, our team had the quality to play a certain style of football but this season, the players who were signed to replace the quality from the last campaign aren’t at the same level.

Even with all the players back from injury, the side that Lee Power has built won’t reach the same standards as 14-15.

Not because some of the players aren’t good enough, but because this side haven’t got the same togetherness and spirit, and a willingness to fight for each other.

When I was leaving on Tuesday, the atmosphere around the County Ground was very similar to when the club was facing relegation in 2011 under Paul Hart.

Four years later and Power has the same job Jeremy Wray successfully did when he appointed Paolo Di Canio.

When Di Canio arrived at Swindon, the club was flat. Everyone was tired and fed up with football but the new manager galvanised the club and his passion and self-belief helped Town pick themselves up and go again.

My personal choice would be the West Country’s own Ian Holloway.

He fits the bill perfectly in being able to lift the club, send out a side that can play the game in a certain style, and revive local interest.

Unfortunately, Holloway might be outside of Town’s wage bracket but before I started any interviews, I’d first offer the job to the Bristolian and make him an offer he’d find hard to turn down.

Follow me on Twitter @danwjonson

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