Adver: "The Wait Is Over"

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SWINDON Town's saviours will launch a new era at the County Ground today - with Dave Byrne looking to impress after officially joining the race for the managerial hotseat.

Andrew Fitton and Jeremy Wray's consortium will finally take the reins at SN1 after months of protracted talks and have set their immediate sights on finding a permanent successor for Paul Sturrock.

They have also pledged to rid the club of the crippling debt that has cast doubt over Town's future existence, as their multi-million pound group look to "hit the ground running".

Wray yesterday also guaranteed current caretaker bosses Byrne and Williams would have a "long-term role" at the club - but admitted there are already several other candidates in the running to be the main man.

The Advertiser understands the intention is to have the new man in place for the FA Cup third round clash against Barnet on January 5.

Wiltshire businessman Fitton, who is currently on a family holiday in Austria, has been struggling to conclude his takeover attempt for the last few months but, after overcoming several big hurdles, has finally got his club.

Wray said yesterday: "We are finally there.

"The last few things were sorted out over the weekend and nothing sinister should be read into Andrew's holiday.

"The deal will definitely be done by Tuesday morning.

"We had hoped it would be signed by last night but fans really should not panic if it goes into today.

"We will take over straightaway.

"The guy we are putting in as chief executive has already been at the club and he will hit the ground running.

"The creditors, who have been waiting patiently for a long time, have to be addressed straight away, we know who they are, and then we have to look at the management situation."

Three successive League One defeats have not dented caretaker boss Byrne's ambitions in that department, although he admits he has a lot of making up to do to become a serious contender.

Byrne said: "A manager is judged on results and at this minute in time I would be at the bottom of Andrew Fitton's list, so it is up to me to show I can do it over the next couple of games.

"At one stage though we had 12 players out and if you take five key players out of any team in the country they would struggle.

"If I can't get results when the squad is back then I don't deserve the job.

"It would be anyone's ambition to go into management, and myself and Ady are no different.

"I don't suppose anything will get sorted until the New Year, so until then it is up to myself and Ady to prove we can do the job".

Wray was quick to hail Byrne and Williams' efforts over the last few weeks, insisting any manager would struggle with the decimated squad at their disposal.

He said: "I know results have not been great but they are working with a huge list of injuries that would stretch anyone.

"I have spoken to both of them and one thing we will say is we want them to have a long-term role at the club in some capacity.

"They are more than capable of managing the team while things get sorted as well but we have to see how things go.

"There are a few managers who have applied for the job and also a couple of others who are worth looking at."

Wray added: "Andrew (Fitton) will be back for the Hartlepool game.

"It would be great if we get a good turnout to see the lads stuff them.'' Chairman of the supporters' group TrustSTFC, Paul Davis said: "Of course it is extremely good news.

"You sensed from the fans on Saturday there was a real appetite for a change.

"The past five or six years have not been a happy period for the supporters.''

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