SWINDON Town head coach Scott Lindsey has made an addition to his backroom staff with the appointment of Gavin Gunning.

Lindsey says the 31-year-old has been brought in to help with the defensive side of Town’s game, working with assistant coach Jamie Day and goalkeeping coach Steve Mildenhall.

Gunning was present at the Envirovent Stadium for Swindon’s 3-0 defeat to Harrogate Town on Saturday and will begin coaching the Robins players for the first time on Monday.

Revealing the news after defeat to Harrogate on Saturday, Lindsey said: “We’ve got a new coach in – Gavin Gunning.

“Gav played for me as a centre-half at Forest Green Rovers a few years back now.

“He’s a very knowledgeable guy, he’s played a lot of games, he understands how we play. He’ll be getting to work with the defensive structure, hopefully in the early part of next week.”

Having played 21 times for National League side Chesterfield last season, Gunning’s playing days are not thought to be over just yet.

He left the Spireites with two years remaining on his contract after being transfer listed by Paul Cook over the summer.

Lindsey admitted the Irish centre-back will probably take a squad number in case of emergency but does not see him as a genuine option moving forward.

Asked whether Gunning had been signed with a view to playing, Lindsey said: “At the moment, he’s a coach, but we’ll look at registering him (as a player) just in case.”