Swindon Town plot to steal League Two boss following John McGreal’s departure

Swindon Town plot to steal a League Two boss following John McGreal’s departure with the club seeing a big number of exits.

The Robins are said to be eyeing up Newport County boss Michael Flynn, after seeing their now former boss leave the club this week.

Swindon Town finished 23rd in League One last season and will be joining Newport County in League Two for the 2021/22 campaign.

It was heartbreak again for Michael Flynn this summer as he guided his side to a top six finish before then losing in the playoff final to Morecambe.

Fast forward to today and Flynn is being targeted by Swindon Town who recently saw manager McGreal depart after just a month at the helm and without a game in charge, with his no.2 Rene Gilmartin also leaving.

Paul Jewell, Swindon Town’s director of football is also waving goodbye to the club with former chief scout Ben Chorley set to return to his former position.

Wrexham linked Flynn has been in charge of Newport County since 2017 and represented the club as a player on four separate occasions and as a manager, overseeing 238 games in charge and has a win percentage of 40.8%.

The Welshman has made League Two promotion contenders out of his Newport side, and came even closer to reaching the third tier of football last time out, is he ready for the challenge again?

He states he is proud to lead his hometown club but needs to recharge his batteries before committing to holding the reins for another crack at League Two in 2021/22.

“I’ve got a year left. They have employed a sporting director with a three-year contract so I need to sit down and see which direction the club are going in and where we go from there,” said Flynn.

“I can’t say 100 per cent that I will be back in August. A lot of things have gone on this season that I have not been happy with, I’ve kept them quiet and we will be sitting down and having a conversation.

“A few things need to get ironed out. I love this club more than anything, that’s probably why it gets to me as much as it does. Let’s just say there might be two different ways where we think the club is going.”

Flynn stressed that it wasn’t the decision to appoint Kelly that has prompted his need for reflection.

“I am not against that as an idea,” he said. “There are things to talk about behind the scenes.

“I am not happy at the minute, the emotions are high. I’ve got another year and I am somebody who is honourable but let’s see how the chats go.”

It would be very surprising why he’d leave Newport for Swindon whilst owner Lee Power remains at the club, though there is questions whether that’s the case come the first game of the season. Right now it isn’t attractive option with the club are in turmoil and could find themselves spiraling out of the EFL.

CLUB STATEMENT:

Swindon Town Football Club can confirm that John McGreal and Rene Gilmartin have agreed to mutually terminate their contracts with the club.

We would like to thank both, for their hard work and professionalism during their short stay at the County Ground under very difficult circumstances. We would like to wish them both the best for the future.

“This is a decision we both have made, as we feel we are not able to carry out our duties as Manager and Assistant Manager. Our intention from day one was to build a football team to compete in this league, but unfortunately due to the current circumstances the club is facing, we do not feel we are able to do that.

As mentioned earlier this week, we have signings ready to be announced, however the legal proceedings involving the ownership has not allowed us to do so, making our positions at the club untenable.” – John and Rene.

SECOND CLUB STATEMENT:

Swindon Town can confirm that Chief Executive Steve Anderson has left the club.

We would like to thank Steve for his hard work, personal commitment and dedication to STFC since August 2013. He has built a strong foundation for future success of the club through evolving our marketing, improving operations and creating a strong strategic direction.

We would also like to recognise his leadership through the current challenges and uncertainties presented by COVID-19.

“It has been a privilege to serve STFC for nearly 8 years. I would like to thank all the staff for their hard work and support, particularly during the challenges presented by COVID-19. I am proud of you all and it’s been an honour to work with you” – Steve.

Fans reacted as Swindon Town plot to steal League Two boss following John McGreal’s departure…

@Dazzared36: I am for one looking forward to a fresh start at Swindon, chance for club to re connect with supports and the community and the local media, supporters now to do there bit and buy season tickets and get behind the new owners and gaffer.

@danielfreeman83: Flynn would be a very good appointment for any aspiring league 2 club, @NewportCounty do not let this happen!

@danquince2: Pls

@deany_tom: I told you all about new regime on Thursday evening. People still doubting me. I told you Anderson was gone. I told you Jewell was gone. Taylor Curran has gone and most importantly… POWER HAS GONE!!!! #STFC

@MarkKeenan5: Taylor Curran has gone wtf , what are we going to do now 🤬

@sharpbe01: Incredible appointment if it happens.

@Swindon_Live: This would be a cracking appointment

@harry_statter: Newport gone into absolute decline since we beat them sheep shagging cunts at Wembley 🤣 deserve it

@CymruOllie: Wouldn’t say we’re in a decline. Flynn gets linked to every managerial job but if he was going to leave, it would’ve happened by now. We’ve kept the spine of last season’s squad and added quality and some depth. We need a few more players but if we get it right, we could go up

@joerosswilliams: Flynn might be top of the wish list but it’s hard to imagine him coming in now after making six signings already – seemingly Lincoln couldn’t tempt him away. Maybe when we have our house in order, but I can’t imagine that before Xmas. Then again, #stfc never fail to surprise me!

@jackstfc_: Would like Flynn at #STFC. Good start to the new regime

@_BenWills: I would’ve preferred McGreal to Flynn, putting that out there #STFC

LOVE this. Statement of intent and indicates ambition. https://t.co/THWYHOhC0z pic.twitter.com/TEsS86L15Z

— Josh Phelps (@thischarmingmug) June 27, 2021