SATURDAY’S performance away at Morecambe epitomised the characteristics Swindon Town will need in League Two this season.

There will be few further trips this term and David Flitcroft and his side will be glad to get two of the most northerly sides in the division, including Carlisle United on the opening day, out of the way in August when the pitches will be at their best.

While for many, the ‘Swindon Way’ needed to be confined to the depths long before last season saw the curtain drop, the opening few fixtures have shown just how paramount it was to steer away from a system that the club had stuck so rigidly to for the last three seasons.

During a frantic recruitment period, which may not be over, Flitcroft was aware of what he required from the players he was bringing in to the club.

Not the young players who had potential, not only on the pitch but when it came to the bank balance, that had come through the door during the past few transfer windows – but experienced heads for this level who knew how to get the job done were the order of the day.

While the playing surfaces are not suitable for the ‘Swindon Way’, the mindset that approach brought with it was just not appropriate.

Saturday highlighted the grit, determination and willingness to put your body on the line for the cause that is required in League Two.

And, while Flitcroft was recruiting players who could play at this standard, he was also getting in players who had the right mental attitude for it as well.

Young, unproven players, looking for their break would get eaten alive at this level. They would be bullied off the ball and their heads would soon drop and maybe that explains why the likes of Jordan Simpson and Jesse Starkey were allowed to look for new clubs. Flitcroft knew he couldn’t carry them in a season where promotion is the number one target.

Luke Williams would often question his players’ mental ability to control games last season, seeing them fail to come from behind or crumble under any sustained pressure.

Flitcroft has worked hard in addressing that mental fragility this summer. He admits it has taken perhaps more time than he thought he would need it to, but a new mental strength came to the fore on Saturday.

Players were fighting for each other, bodies were being thrown in front of any sign of danger and come the final whistle, there were more than a few out on their feet.

This won’t be the last time this season Swindon’s mental fortitude will be tested. There will be more long away trips and teams throwing the kitchen sink at them.

But the early signs are that this group of players have the right mindset to succeed.