SWINDON Town assistant manager Noel Hunt believes Tom Broadbent will be hold legend status around the County Ground for the rest of his days after playing a significant part in the club’s first league win over Oxford United in 19 years on Saturday.

The 28-year-old volleyed in Swindon’s equaliser in the 84th minute before arguably scoring the winner as well during the early stages of second-half injury time.

Broadbent was greeted by around a hundred Town fans when he arrived back at the County Ground, all of whom sung his name after he emerged from the team coach.

The above was made all the more extraordinary given the defender was seemingly on his way out of the club during the summer following an extended spell on the side lines through injury.

Hunt heaped praise on Broadbent and called his attitude exemplary following the controversial decision to remove him from the starting line-up for the weekend’s derby.

Hunt said: “It’s a fairy tale for him – he’ll be known as a hero around here for a long, long time.

“He did well in the game the week before, but Jonathan Grounds comes back in and Tom comes out of the team.

“It’s very easy for players to go and sulk at that point, but he’s not that kind of character.

“He’s been great, he’s been full of life, we asked him to do a job and he bought into it straight away – that tells you all about him.

“To come on and impact things the way he did, it was great, and I’m delighted for him.”

The Town assistant boss revealed a conversation he had with Broadbent in the days leading up to Saturday in which Hunt said the game can turn around in an instant for those players who keep their head down and continue to work hard.

Hunt said Broadbent is a unique character who deserves every success that comes his way.

He said: “He’s a great character and he’s a bit unique in his own way even.

“He takes things with a pinch of salt, he’s always laughing and joking, and he knows his limitations. But he plays on them as well, which is great, and the boys all love him.

“I’m delighted for him because it’s been a long road, and I’ve said to him: “football is a funny game because one moment you’re in the doldrums and you’re out of favour, another you’re back in and you’re a hero.”

“That’s just all part of learning, growing up and becoming a seasoned professional.”