RAFFA De Vita hopes his former colleagues will get their chance at a higher level, either with Town or without.

Not many of his teammates are left from the Paolo Di Canio side that De Vita played in. Darren Ward, Wes Foderingham, Nathan Thompson, his brother Louis and Andy Williams are the last remnants of the hard-drilled squad De Vita was a part of.

The 27-year-old remains firm friends with those Town players and enjoyed his reunion with them on Saturday, especially after his new club Cheltenham had secured a thumping 5-0 win.

Despite that hammering, De Vita hopes Town can rediscover their form and push on for promotion this year.

The Italian is adamant that Swindon have plenty of quality in their side, players he believes can and will play at a higher level.

“I said hello just before the game,” De Vita said.

“It’s always nice to see them. There’s five or six that I know and they’re all brilliant lads.

“They all deserve the best and I’m sure a few of them will move up.

“Louis is going to a massive club next year and I’m sure Wes (Foderingham), Nathan (Thompson), and Andy Williams - he’s a top striker as well - they’re going to go on to bigger things.”

“I’ve watched them play this season. I’ve seen the highlights. The gaffer (Mark Yates) said they’re by far the best League One side he’s ever seen.

“I really hope this is the season where they can carry on, play like this, get wins and hopefully get promoted to the Championship.”

The hard-working midfielder was very appreciative of the reception he was given by the travelling fans at Whaddon Road on Saturday and admitted it is always odd to play against a club he clearly has a lot of affection for.

De Vita added: “It’s weird (but) it’s always nice to play against them.

“Last year was a good game. I enjoyed it at the County Ground when I went with Bradford and I seemed to get a nice reception and I’m grateful for that.

“You get so many players coming and going. Players have done even better than me and they don’t get that kind of reception, so I’m ever so grateful.”