New Swindon Town Manager Target Revealed

Swindon Town are reportedly in discussions to appoint Barnet’s Dean Brennan as their new manager, according to the Swindon Advertiser. 

The League Two side have been searching for a new boss since the sacking of Michael Flynn in January with coach Gavin Gunning taking charge of the side in the interim. Journalist Alan Nixon had reported earlier in the week that Swindon were in talks with former Morecambe manager Derek Adams, however, it is now suggested that Dean Brennan could be a prime candidate for the role. 

The Advertiser, citing anonymous sources, claim that Barnet and Swindon are currently engaged in talks over the 43-year-old as both sides plan for the 24/25 season. Barnet finished second in the National League last season, 12 points behind title-winners Chesterfield, but were eliminated from the play-offs at the semi-final stage by Solihull Moors.

The Irishman joined the Bees in 2021, as a Director of Football but eventually took over as Manager, initially on a caretaker basis before taking the full-time role in February 2022. He has taken charge of 137 games, winning 62 with 224 goals scored. The Bees recorded 6-0 wins twice last season (against Boreham Wood and Dorking Wanderers) as they recorded 91 goals, with only Chesterfield scoring more. 

Swindon recorded their worst-ever season in 23/24, only picking up 54 points and 14 wins as they finished 19th in the table. The club released a number of players including club legend Charlie Austin, Frazer Blake-Tracy and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy amongst others. Brennan will therefore have to rebuild the squad whilst also trying to keep hold of stand-out performers like Paul Glatzel. 

This news comes as football finance expert Kieran Maguire suggested on his most recent podcast that he had spoken to parties that were interested in purchasing the club from current owner Clem Morfuni. 

Is Brennan the right choice for Swindon Town?

Swindon need a shake-up, for a club their size with a passionate fan base they have under performed both on and off the pitch. To record their worst ever season after reaching the play-offs just a short time ago demonstrates the drop off. It is clear that their recruitment strategy hasn’t worked and a reset is required, releasing so many players is always a risk, but it is perhaps one they had to take to be able to allow the new manager the best possible chance at success. Replacing 11 players, several of whom would be at home in any other League Two squad will be a difficult task especially after departing for free.

Brennan has experience as a Head of Football, so will know what it takes to manage a squad and contract requirements whilst also remaining competitive on the pitch. His experience both on and off the field could prove pivotal in providing some much needed footballing experience behind the scenes.