PHIL Brown says only the right type of central defender will do as he continues to search for a way to tighten up Swindon Town’s shortcomings at the back.

New defenders have been Town’s top priority throughout the summer, but Brown remains on the lookout for further reinforcements despite the transfer window having closed, with the Swindon boss now focusing on the loan market.

Brown believes a Championship level defender with a wealth of Football League experience will help iron out any flaws his squad may have.

Those issues were highlighted in Saturday’s 3-2 win at home to Tranmere Rovers in League Two, which saw Swindon forced to come from two goals down inside 13 minutes.

Post-match, Brown confirmed a loan move for Shrewsbury Town winger Abo Eisa remains of interest to him, but a proven central defender is the primary target.

“We have chased a number of centre-halves, but it has got to be the right one,” said Brown.

“Everybody can see we are conceding goals. I am trying to eradicate that by brining the right mentalities to the party, which is somebody who knows how to play at this level and knows how to organise and marshal the defence.

“I want someone who can be bold and brash and lead the defence and lead the line and get a stitch or a broken nose every two or three games.

“I think Olly Lancashire has got that kind of mentality, but he needs someone around him.

“Joe Romanski, Sid Nelson and Dion Conroy can learn that position, but they are young lads.

“It was a big loss that Matt Preston went, but I am not going to bemoan that, I am going ‘can I replace Matt Preston with a bit of pace and the leadership qualities that Matt had and the stature?’ – that is what I am looking for.

“They don’t grow on trees, they don’t come overnight.

“Yes, I am chasing a Championship centre-half who is not getting into a Championship team, but why should he come to the second division?

“I have got to sell him the possibility of promotion, the possibility of coming to a big club, and that is my job.”

Brown also urged the Town faithful to get behind those players currently available to him, with the former Premier League manager irked by criticism from the stands towards his defenders after the hosts got off to a woeful start against Tranmere.

“I am disappointed for Olly Lancashire and Joe Romanski when the supporters are singing we need a centre-half,” said Brown.

“We know we need a centre-half, I haven’t gone hiding and said I don’t – I need a defender. I need someone that will head it and kick it at this level.

“Until August 31 is here, all I am asking is for the supporters to cut the lads some slack.

“The lads that are out there are wearing their hearts on their sleeves, they are trying to wear the shirt with pride, they are trying to do everything I am asking of them.

“It is a collective frailty, it is not an individual frailty, and we are doing everything we possibly can to get somebody in.”