Martin Ling believes Swindon Town are still suffering from their ill-fated Premiership adventure but insists the club still has the potential to support Championship football.

The Leyton Orient boss made almost 200 appearances at the County Ground between 1991 and 96 and admits he is devastated to see the financial mess the club has been embroiled in ever since.

Ling, returning to Town in the league for the first time in 11 years tonight, describes his Wiltshire spell as "easily the most pleasing" of his career, revealing their result is still the first he looks out for.

Paul Sturrock will continue to battle against a transfer embargo tonight as his squad is tested to the limits and Ling admits he cannot believe the financial state the club has got itself into.

He said: "It is very frustrating to read what is going on at Swindon on the financial side of things and behind the scenes.

"Since I left 11 years ago, I have read too much on that side. They were one of the first clubs to learn the Premier League can hurt you.

"I was one of those players who signed a contract that had no fall down payment no matter what league you were playing in.

"What has happened is that clubs have learnt from the likes of Barnsley, Swindon and Sheffield Wednesday since. I am not sure the club has come out of it yet."