Swindon Town - a look ahead

Form (Last 6): W-W-L-W-L-W

2002/03 Finish: League: Second Division – 10th

FA Cup: 2^nd Round

League Cup: 1^st Round

Top Scorer: Sam Parkin

Discipline: 64 yellow, 3 red

It is no lie that Notts have not enjoyed the best of form down at the County Ground, with in fact their only win in their last six matches on their travels at Swindon coming in April 2001. So, it would be pretty safe to say that in recent seasons Swindon have become somewhat of a bogey side for the Magpies - especially after Notts’ 5-0 thrashing in the latter period of last season at the County Ground.

Swindon's home - The County Ground

Swindon currently lie 12^th in the table after opening their account for the season when they ran out 1-0 victors over Colchester United, the game saw Tommy Mooney grab his first goal for Swindon after signing from Birmingham City. The win follows the Robin’s 3-2 opening day defeat as they fell victims to the newly relegated Sheffield Wednesday.

The club was clouded by administration for all but two games of the 2002/03 campaign – but when they finally emerged, the club saw a total revamp with the addition of seven new faces to the squad they propose to mount a serious play-off challenge.

The Robins boast as good an attack as you could expect from a Second Division side – with a strike force that boasts “Super” Sammy Parkin with 26 goals to his name as well as former Birmingham and Watford front man, Tommy Mooney. Not only that, but Andy King has also bolstered his strike force by persuading promising young striker, Jon Stevenson, from Leicester.

With the potential to add depth to his squad, King went on to snap up the services of former local rivals, Reading, defender Adi Vivaesh and midfielder Sammy Igoe. England Under-21 and former Chelsea ‘keeper Rhys Evans also joined the Robins payroll as he aims to gain first team experience.

***STAR PLAYER*** - Sam Parkin

"Super Sammy Parkin" has great expectations resting on his young shoulders

“Super Sammy Parkin”, as he is affectionately known by the Swindon faithful, joined the Robins in August 2002 after deciding that being amongst so many strikers at Chelsea can only mean that his first team stints, if any, will be few and far between. Following a range of loans at various clubs throughout the Football League including; Millwall, Wycombe Wanderers, Oldham Athletic and Northampton Town – where he made 50+ first team appearances scoring 14 goals. However, when he finally settled in Wiltshire he notched up 48 starts and scoring 26 goals – leaving him third in the Second Division’s goal scorer charts. Sam also managed a hat-trick past Steve Mildenhall last season in their 5-0 demolition of Notts.