ON THE eve of the new League Two season, predictions regarding each team’s upcoming campaign are being considered, published, and gambled on.
The experts (and I) have removed ourselves from the usual unbiased fence upon which we are supposed to perch and have nailed our colours to the mast as we state where we believe Swindon Town will finish come May.
Across the board, Scott Lindsey’s men are being backed to finish inside League Two’s top half. Meaning, at the very least, fans are in for another campaign of more wins than defeats and potentially another dip into the most emotionally unstable competition in world football – the play-offs.
FOURFOURTWO
Verdict: Seventh
Analysis: There’s continuity despite Ben Garner’s exit, with a core of Town’s play-off team staying to be led by former assistant Lindsey.
After the hurried squad-building that was required last season, including nine loanees in total, owner Clem Morfuni aims to create assets while remaining competitive on the pitch.”
SUPER COMPUTER
Verdict: Fourth
Analysis: End of season probabilities - Relegation: 1%. Promotion: 32%. League Two title: 8%.
THE SPORTSMAN
Verdict: Ninth
Analysis: Swindon achieved that play-off finish last term, but they have lost manager Ben Garner to Charlton and his assistant Scott Lindsey comes in as his replacement. The squad remains in good shape, with Angus MacDonald coming into the back three and at the time of writing, Harry McKirdy remains at the club - which should take them into the top half.
THE BOOKIES
Verdict: Ninth
Analysis: Using oddschecker.com, Swindon are currently tipped as ninth-favourites to lift the League Two title at a best price of 20-1.
But when looking at the promotion odds – going up via the play-offs or in second or third – Town are ranked as sixth favourites at a mere 4-1. According to the bookies, Town are quite likely to find a way into League One by whatever means necessary.
ADVER SPORT
Verdict: Between eighth and 12th
Analysis: As things stand, I’m not convinced Town quite have enough to break into the league’s top seven. Should two more strikers and possibly another centre-back arrive, my mind may well change.
I also don’t think Lindsey quite knows his best team as things stand, not helped by the fact that not all of his squad are 100 per cent match fit.
But signs that another positive season could occur are certainly not far away. The squad building could take until right up until the window shuts, and a win on the opening day against Harrogate will build some early optimism among the usually level-headed local reporters.
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