Swindon Town striker Charlie Austin has backed Gavin Gunning to become the permanent manager, speaking to The Swindon Advertiser.
Austin, who joined in January 2023, backed the Irishman to take charge of the League Two club when the side decide on their next permanent manager in the summer. Gunning was made interim manager after they parted company with their previous manager, Michael Flynn, in January.
After winning two out of seven games, Gunning has secured a mid-table position for the side. Gunning has secured a mid-table position for the team after winning two out of seven games. Veteran striker Charlie Austin has spoken about the hard work that has gone into the team and how Gunning can help them achieve their goals.
How influential is Charlie Austin to the side?
As a veteran striker who has played at the top level in the Premier League with Southampton and QPR, you would imagine the 34-year-old is an influential member of the dressing room with his age and experience. Austin has played over 100 games for the Robins across two stints with the club, scoring 58 goals.
Austin has played 36 games in League Two this season as he approaches the end of his contract with the club and has scored ten goals after his last-minute equaliser against Harrogate Town at the weekend, marking his 50th league goal for the club.
What was said?
Austin was full of praise for Gunning, claiming he is the person to take the club forward after some hard times in recent years. When Gunning took over the club, they sat 17th in League Two, which would have been their joint record worst finish in club history. However, two wins from his seven games in charge have changed that. The club still sit 17th in League Two but is in no danger of dropping any lower, meaning they can start looking forward to next season.
“For me, I am here for the season, but Gav is the perfect man for the football club at this moment.
“As you look at it, he knows the football club, he knows the players here, and he knows the surroundings.
The 34-year-old’s comments added fuel to the speculation surrounding his future. The forward’s contract is up this summer, and he recently cast doubts on whether or not he would continue playing after this season.
What next for Gunning?
If Gunning continues to impress with the side’s performances this season, the club would be foolish not to offer him the role permanently. As Austin noted, he knows the club and the players. However, not only that, he is aware of the times fans have suffered in recent years. The 33-year-old arrived with Scott Lindsay, who left the club for Crawley Town during a promotion push that fell apart following that departure.
Promotion has been the goal for Swindon for some time now, and they can start working towards that next season. If Gunning has the backing of Austin, he most likely has the backing of the entire squad, and he could be the person to instil that hard work towards their goal.