BEN Garner signed a long-term contract as head coach of Swindon Town in July, the club's secretary has confirmed.

Club official Ray Murphy revealed Garner is locked in as the County Ground outfit's boss until June 30, 2024 after commenting around halfway through the Official Supporters Club's Monday Night Panel this week.

During Monday's live event, the discussion ranged from Town's performance during the defeat against Newport County last Saturday to the future of the club and the style of play.

And when a question was raised surrounding Garner's deal length, Town's secretary replied through his Facebook account to clarify.

There was no discussion around the length of any other player or coach's contract, including assistants Scott Lindsey and Scott Marshall's respective deals, however.

Garner signed his Town contract on July 21, 2021 on the same day that director of football Ben Chorley was appointed by owner Clem Morfuni.

In a statement by the club last summer, Morfuni said that he was keen to implement a director of football and head coach model rather than a traditional manager because he wants "continuity to run through the club."

Morfuni went on to highlight that if the head coach moves on for whatever reason, the philosophy of the club remains the same and the playing staff would then not need "a complete overhaul" every summer.

There is a small number of fans who would like to see a new coach in place at the start of next season, but Garner's place as head coach is thought to be completely secure as things stand.

The 41-year-old is expected to be given backing in the summer to build around the players who have signed new contracts.

Harry McKirdy, Ben Gladwin, Lewis Ward, Ellis Iandolo, Harrison Minturn, Harry Parsons, and George Cowmeadow are all contracted at Swindon until the summer of 2023.

However, reports emerged at the start of the week which stated McKirdy is on the radar of Scottish Premiership side Hibernian and could be lured away between seasons.

The Edinburgh outfit has apparently identified the 25-year-old as a 'key transfer target' and is said to be willing to pay a fee to convince Town to let McKirdy go.

McKirdy's 18-goal season is likely to attract interest from other clubs too, therefore Town will face a battle to keep the London-born forward at the County Ground until the window shuts.