AS THE final whistle echoed around a quarter-full County Ground last Saturday, my first emotion was sympathy for our then interim manager, Matt Taylor, as he had been let down by those around him on the pitch.

After having just over a week with the side, Taylor was not going to be able to change much, but after a superb opening 15 to 20 minutes, all the signs of potentially achieving positive result disappeared throughout the rest of the afternoon.

But it seems even if the former Portsmouth man had won his managerial debut, he wasn’t going to be given the job as Swindon Town chairman Lee Power had his sights set on former Derby County, Hull City, Preston North End and Southend United manager Phil Brown.

The former Premier League boss wouldn’t have been my first choice for the job on a long-term basis, but I can see the benefits of a contract until the end of the season as I think he could be successful in the short term.

Although I’m not keen on him sticking around after this season, I’m hoping he can convince me and lots of other fans he’s the right man going forward.

Brown brings with him many years of experience, with his biggest achievement being a hysterical moment for Swindon fans as his Hull side defeated Bristol City in the Championship play-off final in 2008 to earn a spot in the Premier League.

But despite all the skills Brown brings to the club, he still only has the squad David Flitcroft assembled throughout this season, with the biggest problem being in defence. If he can sort-out our back-line, that should be the cornerstone to launch a successful time at the club.

It’s good to see our new boss appoint Taylor as a player-coach as he looks to gain experience for any future role he may pursue.

After spending the week getting to know his squad, Brown’s debut as Town boss comes at Cambridge United this weekend.

With 10 games left this season, Town sit one point outside the play-offs and eight points away from the automatic promotion places.

Securing a spot in the top seven should be straight forward, but if Brown can make an instant impact, a place in the top three might not be such a crazy thought after all.