TAYLOR Curran says the feeling in the Swindon Town changing room is ‘1000 times better than last year’ and believes manager Richie Wellens is building for the future and not just the here and now.

Since arriving in Wiltshire last November, Wellens has made a conscious effort to bring through and sign players that will play a part in the club’s future further down the line.

Defender Curran would fall into that category, and the former Southend United man feels privileged to have been chosen as part of the manager’s long-term plan.

The 19-year-old has also watched his manager sign 10 new players so far this summer as the squad begins to take shape in a way that Curran believes will not only put them in contention for promotion, but gives the club a chance at longevity and stability.

He said: “The boys the gaffer has brought in, he’s trying to build a squad, not just a one-season wonder, it’s an actual team.

“That’s always good because you get that dynamic in the changing room which is 1000 times better than last year.

“There’s a real togetherness there, and I know we’ve only had pre-season, but there is a real strong bond between all the players.

“The players that the manager has brought in, he’s definitely focusing on a certain way to play a lot more than last year.

“The gaffer wants us to get the ball down and really show how good we can be.

“All the signings he has made, it shows that he’s focused on playing in one way.

“If we can execute it, then there’s no reason why we can’t do well this year.”

Prior to making his professional debut in the final 10 minutes of Town’s 3-1 victory over Notts County on the final day of the 2018-19 season, Curran had been involved with the matchday squad on several occasions as Wellens gradually introduced him to the first-team environment.

And with several appearances across pre-season under his belt, the 19-year-old is looking to make more of an impact at Town during the upcoming campaign.

Curran said: “This has been my first pre-season with a first team.

“The rest have been with youth teams or U23s. It’s been hard, but I’ve enjoyed it.

“I’m really happy with how many minutes I’ve got.

“I haven’t played consistent 90 minutes in a while because of the U23 stuff and then moving here, but now I’ve got a few games in my legs, hopefully I can push on this year.”