Thetownend.com

ANDREW Fitton has hinted that caretaker boss Dave Byrne could have a long term future at the County Ground, no matter what the outcome of Town’s marathon managerial race.

Byrne remains a contender to succeed Maurice Malpas in the Swindon dug out, although recent results appear to have dented his chances.

However, Fitton believes continuity is crucial to ensuring success in Wiltshire, and admits he is unlikely to appoint a manager with a sizeable coaching entourage.

Asked if Byrne would be kept on under any new boss, Fitton said: “I would like to think so.

“Dave has done a good job with the youth team and brought some good players through, and that’s an important part of the job.

“He has been very unlucky in that he has made some bold managerial decisions in his short time in charge, and they haven’t quite paid off.

“Unfortunately for him the team seen to have developed last-minute-itis, or whatever you want to call it.

“But I also think it’s wrong to allow managers to just come in and clear out the backroom staff, because it destroys continuity at the club.

“People like our physio Dick Mackey, and the kit man, Roger Jones - their contribution is invaluable.

“These are the people you need to keep hold of.”

Byrne has made it perfectly clear he wants the Town job on a full-time basis, but says he would not hesitate to accept a role as number two to any new appointment.

“I don’t want to leave Swindon Town Football Club – I’ve made that perfectly clear to the chairman and the board,” he said.

“If that means that I drop back into the coaching staff, then so be it.

“The one thing the new manager will have is my 100 per cent backing.

“The fact that I’ve gone for the job, he may feel there’s a threat coming in from behind.

“I wanted the job last time but I knew deep down I really wasn’t ready for it.

“But I still gave Maurice my 100 per cent backing.”

Should Byrne be shown the exit door under any new regime, the former head of youth insists he can leave with his head held high.

He continued: “If a new boss comes in with his own backroom staff it would leave me with a P45 and looking for new job.

“But that’s the business that we’re in and the business I’ve chosen to come into.

“I’ve introduced the youth system here back into the world of youth football and we’re now up there with the best.

“There’s scouts coming to look at the kids that have come through – Sean, Joycey, Tozer, Lukas, Callum, Chris Allen.

“We’ve put Swindon Town back on the map and we’ve got assets – valued assets who are worth money.

“So I must have done something right.

“If I do leave Swindon Town at least I can walk away with my head held high, and say I’ve given it my best shot.”

“But I also think it’s wrong to allow managers to just come in and clear out the backroom staff, because it destroys continuity at the club.

Hopefully Byrnes position will be Reserve Team Coach. Nothing against the bloke, but I would expect that the calibre of manager AF is (Supposedly) chasing would have a number two at the minimum.

Brought in several million quids' worth of youth talent, stuck with the club through some really rough times when he's had several opportunities to go, loves Swindon Town, players respect him as a coach, and will annoy the fuck out of the window-lickers. Good news.

Hopefully Byrnes position will be Reserve Team Coach. Nothing against the bloke, but I would expect that the calibre of manager AF is (Supposedly) chasing would have a number two at the minimum.

Brought in several million quids' worth of youth talent, stuck with the club through some really rough times when he's had several opportunities to go, loves Swindon Town, players respect him as a coach, and will annoy the fuck out of the window-lickers. Good news.

Agreed. I've started to warm to Byrne. Can't think why...........

When are you and DB announcing your civil partnership Paul?  Are we all invited?  ;-)

Mockney Jockney!!!!  That's me!  And proud.

Here's a snippet that could be hard to digest. Ian Harte may relinquish his monthly contract at Blackpool to take up an offer of player manager at Swindon Town if the current caretaker manager agrees to work with him. Andrew Fitton is considering whether Harte/Byrne would be something the fans could stomach.

Just rolling of the tongue today mate

Here's a snippet that could be hard to digest. Ian Harte may relinquish his monthly contract at Blackpool to take up an offer of player manager at Swindon Town if the current caretaker manager agrees to work with him. Andrew Fitton is considering whether Harte/Byrne would be something the fans could stomach.

And their 1st signing is gona be that French bloke Rennie somebody or other

but doesn't seem to really be upto the coaching side of the game.

I think Fitton and co should give Byrne the club as a christmas present.

I personally dont want Byrne here anymore .. particularly after his comments about fans this week.   If Fitton is that keen to have him here he might as well appoint him and manager as no one of any repute will work with him.

David Byrne walks into a club...      (sorry Sussex)

Reg has been googling all day

Wish I had the time mate...I'd rather Byrne came out with something like I get 2.5% of all transfers over 500K on any player I scout or develop...good for the club and good for me.

Easy for people to mix up love of the game with love of a club

I jest reginald. Agree fwiw. Easy for people to mix up love of the game with love of a club

Was he offered a job with Plymouth when Sturrock left, if he was then fair enough but he has only been here 2 years and I don't really see that as loyal. Has he really been offered any other half decent jobs anywhre to test his 'loyalty'? Again if so fair enough.  People like Dick Mackay who have been here years fall into the bracket of loyal....

Was he offered a job with Plymouth when Sturrock left, if he was then fair enough but he has only been here 2 years and I don't really see that as loyal. Has he really been offered any other half decent jobs anywhre to test his 'loyalty'? Again if so fair enough