SWINDON Town head coach Ben Garner has declared it a new era at the club, and one he was only too happy to come and be a part of.

The former Bristol Rovers chief was announced as Town’s sixth boss in the last nine months when he was appointed in the hours after Clem Morfuni officially took over at the County Ground on Wednesday.

The 41-year-old was recommended by Swindon’s director of football Ben Chorley despite coming off the back of a dreadful spell in charge of the Gas throughout the 2019-20 campaign.

Garner believes he learned a lot from his time in Bristol though and says he had no qualms about taking up another high-pressure job after becoming a more confident and well-rounded coach.

Discussing the reasons for accepting the Town job, Garner said: “It’s a new era now. The first conversation I had with Ben Chorley was excellent. The direction the club wants to go in was very impressive to me.

“The meetings or conversations I then had with Clem surrounding what he wants to do – not just for the football club, but for the community as well – it’s a fantastic project to be a part of. I’m excited to be here.”

Garner took his first training session as Town coach on Thursday – a double-sitting as the 41-year-old attempts to whip his squad into shape in time for Scunthorpe United away in two weeks’ time.

Town’s head coach revealed there will be more tough days around the corner for his players, but praised their collective attitude and application after agreeing they would all attack the difficult situation they have been placed in with positivity only.

Garner said: “The first session was very, very good. The players were excellent – their attitude and application was first class.

“I owe a debt of gratitude to those players, to Steve Mildenhall, and to the rest of the staff who have come through a difficult period. Their response today was excellent.

“We spoke about drawing a line under everything that’s happened before – it’s a new era, and we’re going forward with positivity.”

Town fans will have their first chance to watch Garner’s new side in action on Saturday when Swindon take on Weymouth at the Bob Lucas Stadium.

The former West Bromwich Albion assistant said he likes his team to play in a similar style to successful Town teams of old, and referenced one Swindon legend in particular when describing to fans what they can expect to see this season.

Garner said: “I want us to have as much of the ball as we possibly can, I want us to be organised and have that good structure to our play.

“I think there’s always been an identity here at Swindon – a style of play. Glenn Hoddle was my idol growing up, and I remember him here as a sweeper who embodied the identity of the team. That’s something that’s always been associated with Swindon Town, and the way we want to play now will be a good fit for that identity and a style that the fans will probably enjoy.”