PRIOR to signing for Swindon Town, Mathieu Baudry had a choice – to sign up for a potentially mediocre season away from Milton Keynes in League One, or accept another campaign elsewhere in League Two.

But when Town boss Richie Wellens enquired about the possibility of the 31-year-old making a move to Wiltshire, his mind was pretty much made up for him.

Working with younger managers might just be something that makes Town’s new defender tick.

Then aged 33, Kevin Nolan managed Baudry at Leyton Orient before a 45-year-old Darren Ferguson led him to promotion with Doncaster from League Two in 2017.

He was then placed under the watchful eye of Paul Tisdale, 45, at Milton Keynes Dons – again winning promotion from League Two.

They say things come in threes – and could a third promotion from League Two be on the cards for Baudry under Wellens, 39?

He seems to think the Town boss is on the right tracks to do so – stating establishing an early team spirit is one of the key ingredients to earning success.

He said: “When I went to Milton Keynes last season, I arrived after the pre-season tour – it took me time to get to know the players.

“A lot happens in pre-season. Team spirit is so important, it’s massive.

“It was a massive part of my promotion with Doncaster, and it was a big part last season at MK Dons.

“In both of those seasons, there were moments when things didn’t go well. But in the end, everyone pulled through and got we wanted.”

Last season was plagued by injury for Baudry, and he personally feels any attempt to find a League One club would be hindered because of his lack of game time in the past 12 months.

Remaining at League Two level was therefore always likely for the Le Havre born defender – who stated a face-to-face meeting with Wellens a fortnight ago made him feel comfortable and encouraged by the boss’ ambitions for the club.

“With the injuries I had last year, I knew I would be unlikely to fit into a League One team that could challenge (for promotion),” said Baudry.

“At that point, you have got to decide what you want. Do you want to be in League One and be average?

“Or, do you find a club that has ambition and wants to challenge towards the top of the table and get back into League One and still be a good-sized club like Luton for example?

“Swindon has got a strong fanbase and is a big club.

“With a young manager like Richie Wellens, anything can happen.

“I knew people that knew Richie, but I didn’t really know him.

“I had good feedback from players, but you never know if what they’re saying is right until you go and meet them.

“I went to meet him a fortnight ago, the conversation was easy. He’s not been retired for long, so it was like talking to a player.

“He understood where I was coming from.”