The early days

In 1894 Swindon Town football Club, founded by Rev. Williams Pitt, took on professionals and became a founder member of the Southern League Division One. Financial problems would dictate the direction of the club from an early stage.

Before World War I the club enjoyed prosperous times winning the Southern League Championship twice and reaching the FA Cup semi-final on two separate occasions.

Swindon Town moved into the Football League Div 3 (S) in 1920 and achieved their first league victory against Luton Town.

Town, having earned their league status, nearly lost it in 1933, 1956 and 1957 and had to apply for re-election to the league. World War II brought more troubled times for the club and during the war the County Ground was used by the war office as a POW cap.

After the conflict the club slowly got back on its feet although finances were hard. October 1956 saw the arrival of Bert Head. The following season saw a change in fortunes as the club finished in the top half of Division 3 (S), earning entrance to the national Third Division. Head developed the side and young talent began to come through.

1962/63

When they travelled to Swindon on Good Friday 1963 many Peterborough fans were distinctly unhappy. Earlier in the season, a 3-2 win at Watford had taken them to the top of the table only for manager, Jimmy Hagan, to be sacked a few days later. Trainer Jonny Anderson took over as caretaker and they raced into a five point lead at the top of the Division Three table, only for him to be replaced by Jack Fairbrother who returned to Peterborough for a second spell. The Posh had slipped down the table and in the eyes of the supporters, had committed the unpardonable sin of selling George Hudson (their star striker) to rivals Northampton Town. Despite this (and going a goal behind after 45 seconds) they came back to defeat Swindon 3-2 and just three days later completed the double over Swindon with a 3-1 victory on their own ground. John Turley scored two more goals to add to the decider he had scored in the first match.

However, at the end of the season it was Swindon had more to smile about. In between the two Swindon defeats, Town had defeated Colchester 6-1, a result that kept them in the promotion chase. Five points from three home matches against Bournemouth (2-1), Carlisle (2-0) and Halifax (1-1) put Town back in the race and a 2-o win at Colchester meant a victory at home to Shrewsbury would be enough to ensure promotion. With 89 minutes gone it looked as though they would fail before Roger Smart crashed in the goal that gave Town their first promotion in fifty years and ensured the champagne corks were popping. The squad (who were to be given the nickname Bart's Babes) had more to be proud of than their promotion success. They were a team that had confidence of youth that attempted to win games by scoring more goals than opposition rather than conceding fewer. This was illustrated by the fact that during the season they notched 87 goals and scored at least one goal every game at the County Ground.Ernie Hunt was the leading league scorer with 24 while Jack Smith (19) and Cliff Jackson (14) also made notable contributions. Virtually the whole team was homegrown and of the eleven that clinched promotion, only Owen Dawson from Portsmouth and Ken McPherson had come from other clubs. Perhaps the saddest note of the season was that young full back, Terry Wollen sustained a broken leg in the home match with Notts County from which he never fully recovered. The happiest was that of Maurice Owen who, since 1946 had clocked up over five hundred appearances - he was able to bow out on a high note. The average gate of todays teams makes interesting reading. Swindon had an average gate of 13,530 while Peterborough, who finished the season in sixth position was only a little lower at 12,011. What could be done with gate figures like those today?

1963/64

Swindon enjoyed a dream start to the season winning their first six league games to shoot to the top of the table. To be playing (never mind beating) the likes of Manchester City and Sunderland was something that Town fans would never have dreamed of three seasons previous. Town's league form manifested itself in the League Cup as First Division side Chelsea were confidently swept aside 3-0. For good measure, Town now had its own weekly newspaper, The Swindon Echo that featured colour photographs and gave away full-page posters of the players. 'Swinging Swindon' had become a common piece of alliteration for headline writers. Town's impressive run eventually came to a halt at Elland Road where they drew 0-0 with Leeds, followed swiftly by a 4-0 thumping at the hands of Northampton Town who, the season before, had handed Town the Division Three title. As a result, Swindon sadly began to slide down the table. Jack Smith was sold to Brighton for £6,000 and Norman Oakley, a goalkeeper from Hartlepool, was purchased for a similar amount. Bert Head's request to the board for £35,000 to strengthen the squad was met to a limited extent of £15,000. Seeing that it was unlikely that top level football would be obtainable at Swindon, Bobby Woodruff asked for, and was granted (by a majority boardroom vote) a transfer to Wolves - the same day that Frank Large was signed from QPR for £10,000.

Swindon finished the season in fourteenth position; quite why a slide had developed after such a promising start was a mystery. The absence of Ernie Hunt with tonsillitis was a factor, as was Bert Head's apparent inability to spot (and groom) young talent (although his capacity to buy more established players was second to none). A home tie with West Ham produced a new crowd record of 25,582. The Hammers won the game 3-1 and went on to win the cup. Ever present in the Town squad that season were Keith Morgan (captain) and John Trollope. The leading scorer was Ernie Hunt with 12; Bill Atkins (with 10) was the only other player to reach double figures.

1966/67

Town's excitement for the season came in the FA Cup, an away draw at West Ham gave Town's fans the opportunity to see World Cup stars such as Hurst, Moore and Peters, whilst also giving them a day out in London.

Town managed to come away with a fantastic 3-3 draw earning them a money-spinning replay at home. However, the financial rewards were not the only benefit. With the replay looking to be heading for a 1-1 draw (John Sissons cancelled out Willie Penman's long range effort), Don Rogers and then Willie Penman applied a double blow. Round four saw Town dispatch of Bury, a neat header by Keith Morgan and a darting individual goal by Don Rogers enough to tee up a fifth round draw with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. Town proved that the West Ham result was no fluke earning a 0-0 draw, unfortunately they could not repeat the home success and a late strike by Bruce Walker took the tie to a second replay. The second replay was played at Villa Park and unfortunately many supporters missed the first half but arrived in time to see three goals in the last half-hour end Swindon's cup hopes.

It was remarkable that the team had performed so well in the Cup because they were struggling against relegation in the league. The team contained four heroes of Town's previous promotion season in 1962-63 in Trollope, Morgan, Rogers and Smart along with Thomas, Harland, Penman and Butler who would appear in the team that triumphed in the League Cup in 1969. Ken Skeen and Bruce Walker, goalscoring heroes in the cup run had lost their places to new signings Pat Terry and Bobby Jones. The new signings and the boost of confidence of the cup run saw Swindon climb well clear of danger and finish in eighth spot with 50 points from 46 matches, five positions above Colchester who had 44 points.

1968/69

Town could have endured an ignominious exit in Round Two when they trailed Fourth Division Bradford City at the County Ground, only to come back and win 4-3. In Round Four, Town were four minutes away from a 2-0 victory against Coventry. City came back to earn a replay that saw them defeated 3-0 at the County Ground with first half goals from Don Rogers, Roger Smart and Willie Penman. The toughest opposition came from Derby County. After a hundred and eighty minutes of football against Brian Clough's team, the two sides were separated by a single goal that followed a cruel deflection.

The semi-final saw both Town and their opponents make a nonsense of home advantage, losing 2-1 on their own grounds to take the tie to a decider at Hawthorns. In this match a fierce rising shot by John Smith gave Town an early lead. However, with just 25 seconds of normal time remaining, a free kick found David Thomas who sidestepped the packed Swindon defence to fire home. Many Town fans were convinced that their Wembley dream was over when Burnley's Casper found the ball at his feet and made no mistake. Swindon recovered from the double blow and increasing pressure caused Bellamy to put through his own goal. Minutes into the second period of extra time Noble met a headed clearance to finish what was to be the goal that took Town to Wembley. In the final, Roger Smart's first half goal had given Town a narrow lead that, thanks to the brilliance of Downsborough in goal, they held minutes from time. Then the Town keeper hacked clear only for the ball to rebound over his head from the chest of Bobby Gould who followed up to score. Don Rogers finished ended game with two brilliant goals, the first following a corner, the second saw his dramatic run from the half way rounded off when he took the ball round Wilson in the Arsenal goal.

1969/70

Before the season had started Swindon fans were concerned that the club would miss the presence of manager Danny Williams who had departed in the close season to join Sheffield Wednesday. This did not prove to be the case as Fred Ford proved to be both an amiable and astute replacement. Ford took Swindon closer to the FA Cup Final than they had been since the days of Harold Fleming.

Town faced an in-form Blackburn in the early stages but after John Smith gave them the lead, Swindon ran out 4-0 winners. Round Four saw four more goals from Swindon, including a brace from Arthur Horsfield, but Fourth Division Chester took much credit in the 4-2 defeat at the County Ground - the result hanging in the balance until Roger Smart shot home in the 75th minute. Despite Town's cup success, much was made of the fact that Fred Ford had never lost to a side from a lower Division in the FA Cup. There were many that thought Scunthorpe United would be the first to do so when they were drawn against Town in the fifth round.

Scunthorpe had already beaten Danny Williams's new team, Sheffield Wednesday, en route to their clash at the County Ground and their side featured a young nineteen-year old by the name of Kevin Keegan. But it was Nigel Cassidy that gave them the lead after nine minutes. Peter Noble side-footed home a Don Rogers cross to equalise after 39 minutes and Town took the lead past the hour mark. Rogers was again influential and his cross found Horsfield who scored from a rebound after his original shot had been blocked. John Trollope ended Scunthorpe's hopes in the 80th minute with a fine shot. Round six saw Swindon favoured with another home draw against the formidable Leeds United (reigning League Champions). An attendance of 27,500 paid record receipts of over £10,000 to watch the game. Despite Don Rogers playing with a heavy cold Swindon created more chances, but Allan Clarke proved the difference with clinical finishing to the two chances that came his way in a five-minute first-half spell.

Swindon took a lot of credit from their league performance that saw them finish fifth in Division Two having won promotion the previous year. It could have been so much better had they not drawn at Blackpool and lost at home to Middlesborough in the next game. However, Town's successes during this season came in two competitions against Italian opposition.

Swindon, by way of compensation for not being in the top division, were entered into the Anglo Italian Cup Winners Cup which they won by defeating AS Roma 5-2 over two legs, Arthur Horsefield getting a hat-trick in the home leg. The season ended with the Anglo-Italian Cup competition that again saw Horsefield in goal scoring mood as he notched up two of the goals in a magnificent 4-0 victory over Juventus. Hopes of adding a second international trophy seemed to have vanished when they crashed to a home defeat against Napoli. The Italian officials in charge of the game gave little protection to Peter Noble who seemed to be blatantly struck as he challenged for one high ball. John Smith netted for the Robins four minutes from time, but it was not enough to save Town from defeat from the odd goal in three. When Town travelled to Italy, they completed a double over Juventus who had finished second in the league. Don Rogers scored the only goal of the game against Napoli in the last of the group matches and under a system that gave two points for a win and one for a draw, Town had amassed enough to take them into the final against Napoli.

Town took the lead in the final when Noble headed home from a Rogers cross on thirty minutes. After an hour, Town struck twice within four minutes. First, Arthur Horsefield headed home from a John Smith centre before Noble scored following a goal mouth scramble. The Italian fans began to throw lumps of concrete on the pitch and the game was abandoned with twelve minutes to play. However, Town were still awarded the trophy, but they required the help of tear gas to be able to return to the dressing room.

1974/75

By the time Danny Williams returned for his second tenure at Swindon (1973/74), it was too late for him to save the club from relegation to the old Second Division, although he came very close to taking them back up at the first time of asking. Williams celebrated his return to the club by releasing 12 players upon being relegated, although the team was then strengthened by the signings of Jim Barron from Nottingham Forest and Colin Prophett from Crewe. The hero of the season was Peter 'thumbs up' (so called because of his habit of running with his thumbs in an upright position) Eastoe who scored 26 goals (making him Division Three's leading marksman) following his arrival from Wolves.

Colin Prophett's debut was marred by the side's 6-2 defeat at Crystal Palace. However, he soon proved his worth and after the drubbing at Selhurst Park, Town went on to win nine of the next 16 games, losing just twice in the process. A win at Hereford in December would have put Town top of the league but Terry Paine, made famous by his exploits with Southampton, masterminded the home side to victory. This was followed by a 1-0 defeat at home to Peterborough United, a result that took the shine off Danny Williams' Manager of the Month Award. A third defeat in a row followed against Plymouth, that despite taking a two-goal lead. This was soon squandered and an innocuous penalty thirteen minutes from time was to decide the outcome.

Despite Eastoe's form, Town were not scoring enough goals from other areas and they failed to score more than one goal in the whole of February. John Trollope was an ever-present pillar of strength in a defence that was brilliant at home, yet leaked 41 goals on their travels. This meant, that despite a strong finish to the campaign (which saw Town win five of their last six games), Town ended the season in fourth spot.

1976/77

The First Round draw of the FA Cup favoured Swindon who faced Bromley at home. They were comfortably disposed of 7-0 (Moss, Syrett and Anderson bagging a brace each), but Town found Hitchin a more difficult proposition in Round Two. Town were forced into extra-time on their own ground before two goals by David Moss in the last four minutes of extra time earned them a lucrative tie at Craven Cottage in the Third Round.

At half time, Town led 3-1, Moss and McHale scoring in the five minutes leading up to the break. However, the Cottagers drew level in the second half and the 3-3 draw set up what was to prove one of the most memorable nights of cup football at the County Ground. To have Bobby Moore, Rodney Marsh and George Best on display in the same team would have made it a game to savour, but to beat them 5-0 was incredible. Trevor Anderson began the goal avalanche when he turned home a Moss cross, while the next came after a persistent Dave Syrett headed over the Fulham defenders and ran on to force the ball home. A goalkeeping error allowed Syrett a second goal to complete the first half scoring with Moss adding two more in the second.

Both fans and Bank Manager were happy when Town were pitched against First Division Everton in Round Four. Stroud's effort in this game was adjudged to be the goal of the season by a Regional Television Company, another commentator arguing it was "...worthy of having won the Battle of Trafalgar." Duncan McKenzie's opener for Everton had been cancelled out by Syrett to leave the scores level half time but early in the second half, Bob Latchford restored the Merseysiders lead. On the hour mark Ken Stroud unleashed a tremendous long shot. Many felt that the replay would be a formality, with Swindon grateful for a share of an extra gate. However, with ten minutes remaining Town led thanks to Trevor Anderson's goal in the 76th minute. Two goals by Everton in the last ten minutes meant a disappointing journey home, but it had been a cup run to savour.

1979/80

The highlights for Town in 1979/80 came in the League Cup in which Town played no less than eleven ties. The old formula of a draw away and a win at home saw them overcome Portsmouth and then Chester before being faced with a tie against Stoke City in Round Three. Andy Rowland seized a second half equaliser at Stoke and goals by Rae McHale and Alan Mayes in the second Leg meant a 4-3 aggregate win. Round Four gave Swindon a tough away trip to Wimbledon. 7,000 packed in the cramped Plough Lane ground. Jimmy Allan in the Town goal was playing with two fingers strapped together due to injury but managed to keep the Dons at bay until half time. Eight minutes into the second half, Andy Rowland evaded three challenges before smashing a shot in to give Town the lead. Five minutes from time Chic Bates made sure to secure a game against Arsenal in the next round. Few chances were created and, with minutes remaining, it looked as though Alan Sunderland's penalty would be enough to give the gunners a victory, when Billy Tucker headed home Alan Mayes' corner. This set up a magical night at the County Ground with Pat Jennings, Liam Brady and Frank Stapleton all coming to parade their skills. Within twenty minutes the Robins were flying high with a 1-0 lead. First, a collision between Young and Walford led to the latter heading into his own net and then, the unfortunate defender was struck by an Alan Mayes shot on the shoulder causing the ball to loop over Jennings into the net. A Brady header pulled one back for Arsenal after the hour mark but Swindon's lead was restored five minutes later when a Kamara header struck Hollis on the head before entering the Arsenal net. Brady led a tremendous fight back driving home a free kick from Rix, before evading two tackles and crossing for Talbot to head home to take the match into extra time. Four minutes from the end Andy Rowland, with socks round his ankles scored the winner that set up a semi-final against Wolves.

A capacity crowd of 26,000 turned up for Town's League Cup semi-final first leg tie against Wolves and they saw Swindon pile on the pressure in the opening stages. In the 13th minute, Chris Kamara's inspirational run and subsequent cross was headed home by Andy Rowland. Town might even have increased their lead with two more efforts being cleared off the line before Peter Daniels headed Wolves's equaliser on 26 minutes. In the second half Town were lucky not to lose their lead when Hibbett struck a post on 58 minutes. However, with just four minutes remaining Alan Mayes, who had had a quiet game, seized on a pass and shot neatly past Bradshaw.

Sadly, the second leg at Molineux was to see the end of Swindon's Wembley dreams, yet it could have been so different. After half an hour, Billy Tucker's 'goal' was disallowed for handball when it dropped on to his arm following a push in the back on its way into the net. Swindon could have had few complaints about John Richards 53rd minute header but Mel Eves goal, six minutes later, was a misdirected cross that floated into the far corner. Under today's rules, Wolves keeper, Bradshaw, would almost certainly have been sent off for his foul on Alan Mayes. Ray McHale equalised with the resulting penalty in the 62nd minute, but Bradshaw survived to see Parkin kick another effort by McHale off the Wolves line. Four minutes later, Jimmy Allan got down to a shot but it bounced out of his control and, typical of Swindon's luck on the night, fell to Richards who scored the goal that took the Wanderers to Wembley.

The rest of Swindon's season was of a similar pattern - nearly, but not quite. A Ray McHale penalty was nearly enough to defeat Spurs in an FA Cup Fourth Round replay. It was still the only goal of the match after 82 minutes until the London side scored twice through Gerry Armstrong. In the League, Swindon's home form was excellent with 15 wins. However, away from home they lost 15 and conceded an alarming 43 goals which meant they finished a disappointing 10th with 46 points. Rowland and Mayes scored 20 and 19 League goals respectively and were, perhaps, the most effective striking partnership the Robins have ever had.

1986/87

Lou Macari refused to be complacent despite having seen his side achieve a record points total in Division Four the previous season. He realised that some experience would be needed to add to the fitness and endeavour that characterised his side the previous season.Shrewdly, the sale of Colin Gordon to Wimbledon financed three new signings. Although Jimmy Gilligan failed to establish a regular place, central defender, Tim Parkin, and striker, Steve White, were to play major roles in another season of success. When goalkeeper, Kenny Allen twisted an ankle in a Littlewoods Cup match at Southampton, Lou returned to his former club Manchester United to borrow Fraser Digby. The signing was later made permanent and the young 'keeper was to prove his worth in this, and many other seasons. Although the season began brightly with a 2-1 win at Bolton, Town suffered two home defeats in quick succession. The second saw an absolute drubbing at the hands of Blackpool. Despite this the fans did their best to raise spirits by chanting "Lou Macari's red and white army" which was to be the war cry of the period. Mark Jones was another player who came on loan and when he scored twice in a 3-1 win at York his signing was made permanent. As a second successive promotion became a real possibility the Board came up with £60,000 to allow Digby's signing to be made permanent and also for Jimmy Quinn to be brought back to the County Ground.A home tie against Leeds United ended in defeat in the F A Cup but the run to the Fourth Round generated much needed finance.A 3-0 home win over Newport County was to spark a run of 10 games in which the only points Swindon dropped were in a 1-1 draw at Blackpool. On April 11 a 4-3 win at Ashton Gate against Bristol Rovers (they were playing on City's ground at the time) lifted Town to second spot in the table. However, by the season's end they dropped back to third and would have to battle for the final promotion place with Wigan and Gillingham, who both finished below them and Sunderland from Division Two.

The first leg of the Play-off semi-final at Wigan saw the home side get off to a flying start. A goal in only the second minute was followed by a second thirteen minutes later, the ball bouncing off the body of Fraser Digby to allow Bobby Campbell to score. With just 20 minutes remaining it looked as though Swindon would be facing an uphill task in the second leg. Then Peter Coyne's pass found Jimmy Quinn and although his shot was blocked, it broke loose to Dave Bamber who made no mistake. Quinn himself got on the score sheet with a header as Town's fitness (a hallmark of the Macari era) began to tell. Then Coyne, rejected by Wigan as a teenager, put Swindon 3-2 up in the closing minutes, heading in a mark Jones cross. A 0-0 draw in the second leg saw Swindon through to the final.

At this time the final was not played at Wembley but over two legs instead and Town faced Gillingham in the final. Swindon's third place finish meant that the first leg was played at Gillingham and the only goal of the game came from the home side with just eight minutes remaining. A debatable free kick was awarded against Mark Jones for handball and David Smith drove the resultant shot through the Town wall. One goal is not too much to pull back but when Karl Elstrey volleyed home in the 17th minute of the second leg; Swindon's task began to look daunting. When a Steve White header struck the bar with Kite beaten, it began to seem as though it would not be Town's night. However, after 61 minutes, Peter Coyne wriggled through to shoot home and with just 10 minutes remaining, a left footer from 20 yards by Charlie Henry took the tie to a decider at Selhurst Park. Two goals by 'Chalkie' White were to take Town back to Division Two after 13 years. Steve's first came after just two minutes when he raced on to Phil King's free kick. The second came just after the hour; a looping ball from Dave Bamber was chested down by White who rode two tackles before striking a beautiful reverse angle shot. In the words of the Adver,"White lightning sends Town up."

1987/88

Swindon's first season back in the old Second Division began with a defeat at Bradford City (2-0), the first game to be played at their ground after it's restoration following the fire disaster.

Swindon returned to winning ways with a 2-0 win at home to Sheffield Wednesday. A return to Division Three never looked an issue with Jimmy Quinn, who scored 21 League goals, in rampant form. Indeed, a 2-0 victory over Oldham in early October lifted Town to fourth in the table. An injury to Fraser Digby at Crystal Palace coincided with the start of a poor run that saw only one point taken and ended in a 4-2 defeat at Elland Road. Despite this, there was plenty to enjoy at the County Ground. Dave Bamber (13) and Steve White (11) both reached double figures in terms of League goals and Roy Wegerle on loan from Chelsea provided good entertainment. Paul Bodin, a signing from Newport County, was also making his first appearances for Swindon, a club he was to serve well. The only celebrations at the season's end however came from Aston Villa supporters whose team's no score draw was enough to earn them promotion.

The Littlewoods Cup provided plenty of entertainment before Swindon lost 4-2 at Watford having failed to get an advantage in the home leg. In the F A Cup they caused something of an upset.Having drawn at the County Ground they travelled to Carrow Road and two Dave Bamber goals led to the defeat of Norwich City. This victory was perhaps the opposite of a blessing in disguise as it was to lead to a 5-0 hammering by a Newcastle side featuring a young Paul Gascoigne.

1988/89

Before their second season back in the old Division Two, Swindon lost the services of two key strikers in Dave Bamber and Jimmy Quinn who moved to Watford and Leicester respectively. However, with the help of funding from the directors, Town were able to purchase Duncan Shearer from Huddersfield and Ross MaClaren from Shrewsbury. They proved good investments and Swindon reached the play-offs. 'Big Dunc' was leading scorer with 14 in the League; none more valuable than the two he scored in the last home match of the season, a 3-0 victory over Stoke City which made sure of a play-off place. Fraser Digby, with 17 clean sheets, was ever present in goal and Steve White contributed 13 League goals. But it was Steve 'stigger' Foley who won the Adver 'Player of the Year Award'.The Robins managed a 1-0 victory in the first leg of the play off semi-final thanks to a Hopkins own-goal, but the combination of Wright and Bright, all pace and elbows, proved to big a problem in the second and Selhurst Park saw the hopes of First Division football ended by Steve Coppell's Crystal Palace.

It was Crystal Palace who put Town out of the League Cup in Round Two while the FA Cup saw Portsmouth defeated 2-0 in a Third Round replay thanks to goals from Foley and Shearer. This earned Town a Fourth Round draw with West Ham, who knocked Swindon out scoring the only goal of the tie at Upton Park in a replay.

The Palace play-off match was to be Lou's last in charge of Swindon before moving to West Ham United. He had been the personification of Swindon Town, with countless commentators talking about Lou Macari's Swindon. While his approach to the game (based on super fitness and getting the ball in the opponents' box) did not please some purists it moved Swindon from Division Four to the edge of Division One. Long after his departure the benefits of his shrewd signings were still benefiting the club.

1989/90

The Swindon Board had deliberated long and hard before appointing a successor to Lou Macari.Eventually they went for a high profile player manager in Ossie Ardiles. Ossie, like Lou, made little impact on the pitch where he made just two substitute appearances, but off it he transformed the teams' style of play to one involving lots of passing triangles. Such was the transformation, often with the use of a 'diamond' formation, that Alan McLoughlin won international honours for Eire and was voted Swindon's 'Player of the Season'.It was two goals from Alan that helped Town to a 2-0 away win over Watford that took them into the top six where they stayed to the season's end. Although the following weekend saw a 2-1 FA Cup defeat against Bristol City, in the League Swindon continued to prosper. The goal scoring exploits of Duncan Shearer and Steve White, with 20 and 18 respectively helped Swindon to a total of 79 League goals. Dave Kerslake came as a midfield player from QPR but was later transformed into an attacking right back and whose crosses set up many goals, as did those of left back Paul Bodin. Colin Calderwood and Ross Maclaren kept clear of injury and, along with Maclaren (playing just in front of the back four), were a major factor in the club's success. The last game of the league programme saw Swindon visit Stoke, who had already been relegated. A point was enough to earn Swindon the advantage of being at home in the play-offs and the last few minutes of this match were played after a crowd invasion. Perhaps, realising that a further goal could spark trouble, both sides seemed content to play the ball about and settle for a 1-1 scoreline.

Swindon made an excellent start in the play-offs, winning away from home in the first leg of the semi-final. A surging run by Dave Kerslake led to a cross that Steve White shot home on the turn. Town increased their lead in the second half thanks to a long shot by Steve Foley before substitute Kennedy pulled one back for Rovers. The return match at Swindon saw some end-to-end play before Duncan Shearer showed great anticipation to seize on a return pass at a throw in and curled a shot past Gennoe. The ball struck the inside of the post and before the Blackburn keeper could flap it away the linesman signalled a goal. Just three minutes later Steve White got on to the end of a cross by Shearer and a cruel deflection off Mail took the ball into the visitors goal. The second half saw an aerial bombardment by the Lancashire side with Simon Garner brought on alongside Frank Stapleton. Fraser Digby was in great form in the Town goal and although he could do nothing about Howard Gayle's deflected shot in the 66th minute, Town ran out clear winners 4-2 on aggregate.

A crowd of 72,873 turned up for the Bank Holiday match as Ossie's team went to Wembley.Gabbiadini threatened in the early minutes for Sunderland but Swindon soon began to dominate the play. Swindon's goal had a touch of fortune about it as it deflected off Gary Bennett.Swindon might have had several more goals but for the excellence of Tony Norman in goal. Steve White might have had two, but one volley produced a flying save before he later rounded the keeper and hit his shot past the post. The final minutes were agony for the Town fans, but John Martin's final whistle sparked joyous celebrations. These continued on the team's return to Swindon, but were soon replaced by angry protests when The Football League demoted Swindon for irregular payments. A two-division relegation was reduced to one by the Football Association, but it would be three seasons before Swindon won the Premiership place that had been so cruelly snatched from them.

1991/92

The season started well both on and off the field for Town; a three-year sponsorship deal with Burmah brought much needed revenue to the club while on the field, after 10 games, Swindon were in second position.

The club also made good progress in the Rumbelows Cup. Round Three saw a notable 4-1 away win with Shearer (2) Nicky Summerbee and 'ooh Shaun Taylor' getting the goals be fore Town were defeated at home to Crystal Palace in the Fourth Round. After a victory over Newcastle United, who were managed by former Swindon boss Ossie Ardiles, a slide down the table began. Part of this could probably be attributed to an injury to player manager Glenn Hoddle, but a Cup run also provided distraction. In the end it was in the Fifth Round of the FA Cup that Swindon made their exit when they lost out 2-1 to Aston Villa.

Fitzroy Simpson was sold to Manchester City for £550,000 before leading scorer, Duncan Shearer was also released, a move that would knock the heart out of the club's Premiership challenge. The worst thing about it was that Shearer was sold to promotion rivals Blackburn Rovers, a cunning move by 'canny Kenny', who brought the Scot at a reasonable fee reported to be £850,000. As it was the Town finished in eighth position with Blackburn clinching the last play-off spot, going on to win promotion at Wembley. Terry Gibson, now assistant manager at Wycombe, was signed as a replacement but could only manage one goal in eight games. Too many games were drawn to enable Town to reach the play offs. Colin Calderwood was a pillar of strength in defence, appearing in every League match and scoring five goals. There was hope for the future when Craig Maskell signed from Reading, with Paul Bodin establishing himself as the regular left back. On the other flank Nicky Summerbee was showing the pace and crossing ability his father had shown thirty years before.

1992/93

The 1992-3 season saw what many fans consider some of the finest football ever played by a Swindon team. The club's player manager, Glenn Hoddle got the club off to a flying start scoring the only goal in a home win over Sunderland. There followed an exciting 4-3 win against Bristol Rovers. Swindon overcame the loss of Duncan Shearer transferred the previous season with no fewer than four players reaching double figures. Craig Maskell, signed from Reading led the way with 19 while three players contributed 11 goals each. Shaun Taylor was not only a rock in defence but also a potent attacker, many of his 11 coming from headers at corners. Paul Bodin hit a golden run of scoring form as the season neared its climax while Australian international Dave Mitchell scored a hat trick in one of Town's finest comebacks when they overturned a three goal lead to beat Birmingham at St Andrews by 6-4. Another game that sticks in the memory was the away match at Brentford, which was a tactical triumph by Hoddle. Reduced to nine men by sendings off early in the game, a footballing version of basketball's half court press saw Shaun Close left to run around in the opponents half while the eight remaining players defended to good enough effect to take a point in a 0-0 draw. Captain Colin Calderwood and Shaun Taylor were ever present at the heart of the defence while the later part of the season saw the emergence of Nicky Summerbee as a marauding wingback. The other defensive flank was occupied by 'Zippy' Bodin who was not as fast but who crosses possessed a pin point accuracy. In midfield there were the contrasting styles of Martin Ling and Mickey Hazard, while John Moncur and Kevin Horlock gave the first flashes of talents that would shine more brightly in the following season. Despite a dip in form at the season's end when only two points were taken from the last four matches the Robins earlier efforts were enough to earn them fifth position and a play-off place. What happened in those matches will be dealt with next time.

Swindon couldn't have wished for a better start against Tranmere at the County Ground. Within two minutes Vickers headed a near post cross by Nicky Summerbee into his own net and a minute later, Ross McClaren's shot was too hot to handle and Dave Mitchell followed up to score. Mitchell slipped a pass through to Craig Maskell who beat the offside trap and he ran through to add a third on 27 minutes - it looked as though the whole tie was over. This wasn't to be the case. Swindon struck the bar early in the second half, but Kenny Irons - who scored against Town the previous weekend, set up John Morrisey 13 minutes from time to give Rovers hope. John Moncur returned to Town's team after a three-month lay-off through injury in the first leg, and he looked to have sealed the tie in the second, opening the scoring on 29 minutes. Proctor scored for Tranmere just before half-time to level the scores and Pat Nevin reduced the deficit still further when he scored just after the hour. When Maskell converted a Mitchell cross after 83 minutes Swindon looked home and dry, but a Kenny Irons penalty left Town fans on Merseyside sweating right up until the final whistle.

Glenn Hoddle nonchalantly stroked home the first goal of the final on 41 minutes, but not one person inside the packed Wembley Stadium could have predicted what was to follow. Maskell doubled Town's advantage from Moncur's pass on 47 minutes before Shaun Taylor bravely headed home six minutes later. Julian Joachim gave Brian Little's side a glimmer of hope before two goals in as many minutes from Steve Walsh and Steve Thomas wiped out Town's advantage. There were six minutes on the clock when Steve White latched on to Hoddle's pin-point pass, the former Hereford man beat Kevin Poole to the ball before the 'keeper was adjudged to have brought White down. Paul Bodin stepped up to take the penalty and, despite facing immense pressure, he slotted home to erase the memory of Town's demotion two years earlier.

1993/94
No League victory until November, one hundred goals conceded and relegation hardly seems a season to remember; yet Town fans look back nostalgically to what has been the club's only season in the top flight. Glenn Hoddle had departed to Chelsea and his Assistant John Gorman had taken over the reins. Jan-Aage Fjortoft had become the club's record signing, but in the early months failed to find the scoring form that would later endear him to Town fans. Narrow defeats at Bramall Lane and at home to Oldham were followed by a heavy home defeat by Liverpool - unfortunately this form would imbibe Town's season.

Keith Scott, who had been purchased from Wycombe Wanderers, was brought in to get on the end of the crosses of Nicky Summerbee and Paul Bodin. It worked to a degree in the first of his two games which saw a Scott goal and a Bodin penalty earn a home point against Ipswich, and another goal from Scott bring the elusive first win, remarkably after being reduced to ten men against QPR.

If there were too many defeats (22), there were also many happy memories as Swindon's style of football during the season won friends if not points. Draws at Tottenham and Liverpool, where only a late goal denied the Robins, were great performances. Swindon was the only side to put four League goals past Manchester United and who will ever forget John Moncur's tussles with Eric Cantona. Brian Kilcline and his ponytail arrived a bit too late to make a difference and the killer blow was at Maine Road where a one goal lead, which should have been two but for a harsh ruling on Fjortoft, was surrendered. Swindon fans accepted their fate with good humour. If opposition fans chanted "Going down Going down", then Town's faithful would reply with "so are we so are we". The last away match at QPR, which was to produce the first away victory, was turned in to a celebratory wake as fans sought to drain the last drops of enjoyment from their season in the sun.

1994/95

If the League was to provide a huge disappointment, this season would once again see Swindon come within ninety minutes of Wembley in the Coca Cola Cup. Swindon's run, which saw them enter the competition in Round Two, appeared to have ended before it had begun when they lost 3-1 at home to Charlton, with old boy Gary Nelson scoring two and making one for the Haddicks. The 'Adver' proclaimed "Hoping for a Miracle" when Town travelled to Charlton for the second leg, yet their hopes were realised thanks to Jan Aage Fjortoft. Just before half time he volleyed home a Bodin cross to complete his hat trick and although a second half goal for the Londoners took the tie to extra time, a Joey Beauchamp shot rebounded off the post and off the back of Patterson.

The Third Round saw Brighton despatched in a more orthodox fashion. Andy Thomson scored his only senior goal at the Goldstone Ground, while Keith Scott and Fjortoft notched a brace each in the 4-1 win at the County Ground. The following Round saw Swindon under the direction of Andy Rowland as John Gorman had been sacked. He decided to play a flat back four with Martin Ling brought in place of Brian Kilcline. Fjortoft volleyed Town in front and although Derby equalised before half time, 'Jan the Man' got his second in the dying minutes - a sharp turn before shooting home. Fjortoft continued his record of scoring in every round and in round five, his 30-yard effort caught Keller off his line and encapsulated a 3-1 win.

Town faced Bolton Wanderers in the semi-finals and an early blow from Alan Stubbs put the visitors ahead. Fortunately, Peter Thorne, who had been rejected by Bolton earlier on in his career, scored two goals to give Swindon a narrow lead to take to the Second Leg. The Second Leg was due to be played on February 22 but was postponed and it was over a month after the first match that the Second leg took place. Swindon were without Mark Robinson (suspended) and Ian Culverhouse (injured) but some good keeping by Fraser Digby saw them hold on to a 0-0 draw at half-time. Things looked good when Fjortoft extended Town's aggregate lead, but the Robins Wembley dreams died as goals by McAteer, Patalienen and McKinlay made it 3-1 on the night, and 4-3 on aggregate to the Lancashire club.

1995/96

Swindon made up for the previous disappointments of the last two years in a campaign in which they were rarely knocked off top spot. Seven wins in the first nine games saw them storm to the top of the table with Steve Finney, a signing from Manchester City, prominent among the scorers. There was a slight stutter in November and December, yet despite winning just the one game Town only lost one too. The Robins also made excellent progress in the Cup, reaching Round Five with victories over Cambridge, Cardiff, Woking and Oldham with only one goal conceded.Southampton were held to a draw at the County Ground before Town bowed out 2-0 at the Dell.

Promotion was eventually clinched at Blackpool; a twelfth minute shot by Kevin Horlock enough to earn the point that clinched promotion. Three days later the Second Division Championship was clinched at Chesterfield. Steve Cowe marked his first start for the Robins by curling in a right-footed shot with Peter Thorne and Wayne Allison adding further goals after the home side had equalised. It was a good season for the Town strikers with no fewer than four players reaching double figures.Wayne Allison led the way with 17 while Kevin Horlock, who notched the only hat-trick of the campaign against Bristol Rovers scored 12. Steve Finney also scored 12 and it would have been more but for an unfortunate leg fracture sustained at Burnley. Peter Thorne was averaging just under a goal every other game with 10 from 22 starts.Ian Culverhouse and Mark Robinson were ever present in defence and although Shay Given joined the club on loan, whilst Frank Talia made a more permanent move, Fraser Digby was in possession of the keeper's jersey at the season's end.

2000/01

What started as an optimistic journey with impressive performances against Premiership opposition turned into a relegation dogfight, an escape against the unthinkable and the relegation trap door.

Town had just experienced another relegation and by doing so, looked financially unstable and weak on the field. Enter Terry Brady and Colin Todd and with them a new era that gripped the most despondent of Town fans with optimism and expectancy. The financial instability that enshrouded the club was beginning to be resolved, and with the former Bolton manager taking charge of team affairs, he appeared to be assembling a side worthy of automatic promotion. A convincing win against Southampton, coupled with a narrow defeat at the hands of The Hammers young guns showed signs of great promise for Division Two.

Unfortunately Town's season never got started. A 0-0 draw at home to relegation favourites Colchester was quickly followed by humbling defeats at the hands of Reading and would-be play-off winners Walsall. Town's new boys took longer than expected to merge and develop and early signs of what lay ahead were evident in two comprehensive 3-0 defeats at the hands of fellow strugglers Port Vale and Bournemouth.

Alan Reeves emerged as an early contender for top goalscorer of the season with three goals in six games, his first in the league coming at Ashton Gate in a one-nil win that would see Bristol City go 17 games unbeaten. Further wins against Luton and Oxford were separated by an impressive performance against early pace-setters Wigan, a 2-2 draw thanks to a goal from an unlikely source in Mark Robinson, and another from big-buy Gary Alexander showed that signs of improvement were there. Disappointingly, it wasn't until a month later that Town showed similar form. Ian Woan's mercurial presence in the centre of midfield nearly snatched an away win at the hands of Notts County as Danny Invincibile's brace was a glimpse of the form that would see him come a firm favourite of the terraces.

Not quite the start Todd had envisaged and as soon as his home club Derby offered him the opportunity to rekindle memories of yesteryear, he was off leaving King and Brady to pick up the pieces of what was shaping up to be a calamitous season. Yet three games without defeat including a win against title chasers Cambridge (and two more goals from the former Marconi Stallion) would see Brady rightfully install King as his new boss. King's passion and determination manifested itself in Town's more resilient side and success against weak opposition in the FA Cup catalysed The Robins league form; an away win at play-off hopefuls Northampton was quickly followed by an enthralling win over rampant Rotherham. Fans and players alike would have been forgiven that Town had turned the corner, but five defeats in six games put paid to any confidence that the side had built up.

Indeed Town hit rock bottom before embarking on an unbeaten run of 11 games; a 1-0 defeat in a dour home game against Port Vale left many thinking the worst. That win evidently saw Vale go 20 games unbeaten whilst Town, with the exception of another 'disastrous' defeat against rejuvenated Luton, lost just twice in a run that left clubs below them needing to win their countless games in hand. Ironically, Town's best performances of the season earned little in the way of points. Reluctant Rovers survived a torrent of abuse, whilst Reading perfected the 'snatch and grab' with a ridiculous 1-0 win at the County Ground before the Millers exacted the cruellest form of revenge in a 4-3 win at Millmoor.

A 1-0 away win against a dejected Brentford (following their LDV loss to valiant Vale) did little to ease relegation worries as Rovers experienced an change in fortunes. Back-to-back defeats for Town against Millwall and Notts County meant that the relegation trap door would not close until the last week of the season.

A 0-0 draw away at giant killers Wycombe (in front of an impressive travelling throng at Adams Park) meant that only a win against Peterborough would do. Meanwhile Rovers hit six against already-relegated Oxford to give themselves every chance of staying up, especially with two games in hand. However, the following Saturday would lead to one of the greatest moments in recent history for Town. Drawing 1-1 at home to the Posh, the County Ground looked, and sounded dejected at what appeared to be an inevitable expulsion from Division Two. Dean Hooper had himself already been ejected from the field of play for an innocuous challenge on first Steve Robinson, and secondly Andy King before Danny Invincibile sparked an over-zealous pitch invasion with an exuberant last minute volley. Premature those celebrations may have been, but two defeats (by Vale and Wycombe) for Rovers in two days meant that Town's 4-0 mauling by Stoke was merely a formality, as indicated by Town's jubilant, yet relieved supporters.

2001/02

At the beginning of the season, optimism was at best, tempered. That close call in the last match of the previous campaign against Peterborough was all too close for comfort, and the Danny Invicibile strike which saved the day deep into injury time was only as important as Bristol Rovers' campaign to keep Town in Division Two. The bookies were making us one of the favourites to go down at the end of 2001/02 and the limited funds available to bolster the squad suggested that as usual they might be on the mark. It seemed that there would have to be an overall improvement in team performances if the worst was to be avoided again.

I confess to being pessimistic. Andy King had done well in turning our fortunes around to beat the drop, but it seemed a tall order to ask him to achieve it again with little greater resource. The departure of Gary Alexander, Steve Mildenhall and Antoine Van der Linden were balanced by the arrival of Eric Sabin, Richard McKinney and Andy Gurney culminating in a squad with a similar head count. The emergence of young talent through the youth system was one way of supplementing the squad and high hopes were pinned on the increasing contributions of James Williams, Alan Young, Nathan Edwards and Kevin Halliday.

Before a ball was kicked the debate took a dramatic twist as Andy was deprived the opportunity to prove the bookies wrong. Sacked and replaced by Roy Evans, a club in need of stability was denied just that. That Evans was a popular choice was not in question, but many questioned the wisdom of the timing of such a change and some wondered whether Evans was as suited to deal with football in Division Two as Andy King had been.

The opening game of the season was a repeat of the closing one of the previous campaign when Peterborough visited the County Ground, but the three points that were so vital three months earlier failed to materialise this time round. There was however an early indication of where the season's biggest problem was likely to be as Town failed to score for the first time in what would become 20 League occasions up until today.More encouraging was the clean sheet that was the other statistic of the day. A first away trip to Ashton Gate was perhaps more disappointing, as the 3-1 score line finished in the favour of our rival Robins. By the end of August Town had collected just four Second Division points but had managed to progress to the second round of the Worthington Cup, courtesy of a 2-1 win at Molineux against First Division Wolves.

September was even busier and Town contested seven League games. Neil Ruddock's rocket free kick collected the points and the Town supporter's respect on the first day of the month at home to Colchester, but with five of the remaining League games away from home it was a tall order to maintain the upward momentum. An injury to Keith O'Halloran was an early set back when on September 8 he suffered a broken leg against Bournemouth. Eric Sabin had won penalty after penalty with his runs into the box, and it didn't go un-noticed that they were often as a result of excellent through balls played by O'Halloran. A 2-0 win at Port Vale on 18th and a 1-1 draw a Northampton on 29th were the only points collected away from home, but a 2-0 home win against previously un-beaten Brentford was very encouraging.The match was particularly notable for the performance of Paul Edwards, on his home debut. Making an instant impression his speed and enthusiasm offered new alternatives on the left hand side of the pitch. Elimination from the Worthington Cup came at The Hawthorns on the 12th as WBA eased into round three with a 2-0 win.

October was almost half way through before the first game brought a great victory in the derby game with Reading. The Royals were to have a season in which reversals were few and far between and the 3-1 win at the Madejski Stadium pleased Town supporters no end. Less welcome was the 3-0 home defeat by Cardiff City, a game that saw the return of Peter Thorne and the presence of the live TV cameras. Town did themselves few favours, always being second best to the Welsh team and failing to create a good impression for the watching masses. Exiting the LDV Vans Trophy at the hands of Colchester, four points gained from matches against Cambridge and today's visitors Wycombe rounded off the month, with loan signing Wayne Carlisle contributing the goal that claimed a point at Adams Park.

Eight goals were conceded and none scored in the first three League games in November with losses to Stoke, Blackpool and QPR, and the problems at both ends of the team were beginning to cause real concern as they inflicted damage on Town's League position. A 3-1 victory against Hartlepool in the FA Cup lightened the mood and the month concluded with four points from six against Brighton and Wrexham.

As the end of 2001 drew near, December will probably be remembered as being the month that fresh turmoil struck the club, and the problems associated with the EGM have been well documented. With the departures of Danny Donegan and Ian Blatchley in favour of the present Willie Carson leadership, manager Roy Evans left on the 20th. The return of one of the three Kings on the 22nd was particularly applicable for the time of year, so I suppose it would have been little surprise if ex left back Phil King had also made a re-appearance. There can't be too many clubs that have re-appointed a manager so soon after releasing him, but Town have now done so twice in Andy King and Lou Macari. Each time it has been successful and long may that continue to be the case.

Further progress was made in the FA Cup with a 3-2 home win against Hereford, but again results on the pitch were sporadic. The only League win of the month came on 29th when Bury were seen off 3-1, and Town finished the month only four points better off than when they started it.

The New Year saw Town in 13th position and more inclined to look worryingly over the shoulder at the looming relegation places than to look skywards to the play-off zone. The trip 'oop north' to take on Manchester City in the FA Cup was a welcome break from the League and a welcome boost to the coffers, although the gate of 21,581 was to prove to be one of the lower gates to attend Maine Road this season and may not have been as lucrative as we'd have liked. A 2-0 elimination from the cup was the 'no quibbles' out-come. A second defeat of the season by Bristol City wasn't too gratefully received in Wiltshire but after losing 2-0 at Oldham; Town embarked on a five-match unbeaten run which cemented the League position at 12th.

If things were beginning to look a little comfortable Town became their consistently inconsistent selves by failing to register a win or a goal in the next four attempts, although if the 0-0 draw against new table toppers Reading was a good performance, a repeat of the earlier 3-0 defeat against Cardiff was the opposite. Consecutive home wins against Chesterfield and Port Vale brought February to a close and commenced March, and it was the three points produced from the match with Vale that took Town to the 50 point mark and perceived Division Two survival. The, by now, traditional mid month slump saw Town record two defeats and a draw before collecting the customary end of month win in the keenly awaited home game against Steve McMahon's Blackpool. There weren't too many people in Wiltshire who were disappointed with that result. Into the last month of the season and a trip to Stoke failed to yield points as did the visit of QPR, but already relegated Cambridge were despatched 2-1 at the Abbey Stadium. Squad shuffling was the order of Andy King's day as he used the last games of the season to formulate his plans for 2002/03.Town looked to have placed the Brighton championship party on ice with an excellent 0-0 draw at Withdean, but Reading's failure to win at home to Peterborough presented Brighton with the trophy anyway.