SIMON Ferry has paid tribute to the Swindon Town fans for their part in the club’s extraordinary 2011/12 campaign.

After a year of doom and gloom at the County Ground, culminating in relegation from League One, the Robins’ supporters received the perfect tonic over the past 12 months - with a league title, an FA Cup adventure and a run to a Wembley final bringing smiles back to the faces of the crowd at SN1.

For Ferry, who has played an instrumental role from the middle of midfield, the contribution of the fans has been massive in the overall success of the Wiltshire outfit.

He told the Advertiser: “I think when you’re doing well that goes hand in hand. When you’re not doing so well fans start to get on your back and I think it’s highlighted more when you’re not doing well.

“It’s been a good season and the fans have been brilliant, they’ve been unbelievable.

“The crowds we’ve been getting have been a credit to them.”

With manager Paolo Di Canio now setting his sights on an immediate assault of League One, Ferry is aware his place in the side may well be under threat.

The Scot expects Di Canio to recruit heavily over the summer, and he knows he will have to impress all over again when pre-season begins in early July if he is to establish himself as a regular starter next term.

“I’m pretty sure the gaffer wants to bring in quite a lot of people like he did last year and throughout the season and it should be an interesting summer to see who comes and who goes.

“Most of the boys have got to start again and prove to the manager that they can play in League One.

“But I think we’ve got a group of boys who can play in League One so hopefully we can have a good pre-season and get it going again.

“I’m looking forward to it. It’ll be nice to be back playing in League One and I think we’ve got a good set of boys here who can do well so I’m looking forward to next year, but it will be nice to get a wee break as well.”