AFTER just 135 days at the helm, Kevin MacDonald decided that Swindon wasn’t the place for him.
With no reason being offered other than “mutual consent”, it’s hard to put your finger on the reason for his departure.
The consensus seemed to be one of confusion at his departure and, in some quarters, relief.
His record of four wins in 14 games was poor, and the tactical changes he put in place were, at times, unnecessary. But I’m disappointed he won’t be able to finish what he started.
If we discount Darren Ward’s inclusion in the 1-1 friendly draw with Spurs on Tuesday, the average age of the side was just 21.
MacDonald obviously has a huge passion for bringing younger players into the professional game – something I think could still work at Town this season.
Hopefully, the new man will have the same ideas on how to build his side, but can also add experience.
After all the disquiet coming out of the club, very few expected the performance we were treated to by Town’s young guns against Spurs.
Alex Pritchard already looks an inspired signing. He can play on either wing and isn’t afraid to take on the full back. He’ll become a key player this season.
Grant Hall and Darren Ward looked a solid partnership in defence, and hopefully Ward will stick around this season and help the young centre-back improve.
There had already been four favourites for the manager’s job as I wrote this and with the club’s link to Spurs growing by the day, someone from their academy staff would make sense.
Les Ferdinand, Tim Sherwood and former Town full-back Chris Ramsey have all been linked with the job.
Former manager Glenn Hoddle was a clear favourite on Tuesday afternoon, but by the evening Alloa Athletic manager Paul Hartley was the bookies’ man of choice.
I would like to see someone younger starting their management career, but already has plenty of experience within the game.
With the club saying it’s “unlikely” we’ll see any appointment this week, it looks like our guessing game is nowhere near finished.
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