No Plan B

A superb opening day victory over Crewe gave Swindon fans new-found optimism that we could return to League One at the first time of asking. However, successive defeats away to Cheltenham and Dagenham & Redbridge have been a harsh reminder that League Two is no walk in the park.

In spite of the win over Crewe, it wasn't always plain sailing first half; Town were somewhat fortunate to head into the break with a lead, through a Callum Kennedy penalty. Swindon certainly upped the anti second half  and began to play football at a much higher tempo. Goals from Oliver Risser and Aden Flint provided an empathic win which provided Town fans with optimism. This optimism has been going down like the Titanic ever since.

Paolo Di Canio's philosophy is clearly to play good football and pass the ball round. An unusual game plan in this league with most teams looking to have a physical presence on their opposition. This approach isn't too dissimilar to that of Crewe, who have the likes of Byron Moore providing creativity.

Swindon took the same game plan to Whaddon Road for a game versus Cheltenham. On the whole, they struggled to break down an organised and resilient side and were largely limited to hopeful, long-range shots. Heading towards the end of the game, Swindon turned to 'Plan B'; long balls up to our forwards, who were comfortably sounded out by an experienced back line.

I wasn't able to make the trip to Dagenham & Redbridge so have no personal view on our performance. However, judging by reports and hear say from those who did attend, the performance sounds like a carbon copy to that at Cheltenham. Paolo Di Canio has been frank in interviews since and changes are expected for our derby clash with Oxford.

With Raffaele De Vita and Billy Bodin starting up front, we just aren't capable of executing 'Plan B' effectively. Both De Vita and Bodin look to be decent, young players with potential to improve their game. As a partnership though, the pair are just too similar; both are nimble and have quick feet but won't ever beat League Two defenders in the air. Early days admittedly, but neither look capable of scoring many more than ten a season.

Our two most successful seasons in the past decade came in 2003/04 and 2009/10; reaching the League One play-offs in both. The most stand-out thing in our squads in those seasons was our strike forces. Town favourite Sam Parkin partnered Tommy Mooney in 2003/04 bagged 19 goals each in the league. Six years later, Charlie Austin and Billy Panyter were a formidable partnership and scored 19 and 29 goals respectively.

It remains to be seen if either Alan Connell or Mehdi Kerrouche are the answer to our striking woes. Last season, Connell performed exceptionally for Conference side Grimsby and showed his goalscoring pedigree. Algerian Mehdi Kerrouche has shown his goalscoring ability throughout his career, albeit on foreign soil. Our strike force should receive a boost with QPR forward Leon Clarke poised to sign on loan.

With Danny Wilson at the helm, Swindon also looked to play football and reached the League One play-offs by doing so. Even in an otherwise awful season, our best performance away to Charlton came as a result of playing some decent football and not a long-range hoof up field. Performances like that were all too much of a rare occasion last term and Paolo Di Canio does need to ensure we avoid a repeat of last season this time round.

League Two Season Preview

With the League Two season nearly upon us, I thought it would be apt to give my view on who I think will suceed and exceed expectations and a look at those who may struggle and disappoint.

AFC Wimbledon: The real Dons are the hardest team to predict how they will do during their first ever season in league football. Many have tipped them to struggle and have lost forward Danny Kedwell following a transfer request. Although Wimbledon have always succeeded against the odds and in the face of adversity. I predict a mid-table finish for them this season.

Accrington Stanley: Exceeded expectations last season by finishing 5th and reaching the play-offs by doing so. Stanley lost key player Jimmy Ryan to Scunthorpe United. I would be surprised to see Stanley up there again and personally expect them to struggle and have somewhat of a hangover season finishing in the bottom half.

Aldershot Town: A club that has gone in the right direction in recent seasons. Dean Holdsworth is a fairly unknown quantity as far as management is concerned. A team that could go either way and surprise us all just like they did in the 2009-2010 season. Although I would predict a mid-table finish, making up the numbers finish once again.

Barnet: The Bees did superbly to stay in the Football League when many thought the writing was on the wall for relegation. Barnet were promoted to League Two in 2005 and their aim has always been survival. With their miracle survival, I expect momentum to be on their side and them to have a safe mid-table finish.

Bradford City: Bradford were relegated from the Premier League just 10 years ago and they have had an awful decade since. They were massively disappointing last season, finishing in a lowly 18th which saw the exit of Peter Taylor. Supporters will be expecting much better and at least a challenge for the play-offs. However, I expect a similar tale to last season and will continue to underachieve in the basement division.

Bristol Rovers: Expectations are high at the Memorial Stadium this season following the appointment of Paul Buckle. Rovers have seen many ins and outs with the most notable being the departure of Will Hoskins. They have signed no less than 15 players as they aim for a straight return to the third tier. Buckle fell at the final hurdle with Torquay last season but I expect him to go one better this season.

Burton Albion: Burton were fighting for survival for a large part of last season and I fully expect the same to happen once again. Due to their stature, they struggle to retain players when bigger clubs come calling. Last season they lost top scorer Shaun Harrad in January and have sold keeper Legzdins to Derby County. With this in mind, I expect 22nd place to be an achievement.

Cheltenham Town: Another team that I certainly expect to struggle this time round. Cheltenham have lost top scorer Wes Thomas to money bags Crawley whilst bringing ex-Swindon player Kaid Mohamed as a replacement. Having watched him at the County Ground I know he is no able replacement for Thomas. I would say a relegation scrap is on the cards.

Crawley Town: It is clear to see that new boys Crawley are the Manchester City of the lower leagues. They sprinted out the transfer tracks adding some strength including Hope Akran from Everton and Bristol City striker John Akinde. Despite it being their first ever season in the football league, I expect them to make a serious promotion or even title challenge.

Crewe Alexandra: Finished in a very respectable 10th place last season. Although that was largely thanks to the 28 goals from the now departed Clayton Donaldson. Goalscorers are the hardest players to replace in football. With arrivals at Alexandra looking few and far between I predict a bottom half finish.

Dagenham & Redbridge: Exceeded expectations when they were promoted two seasons ago from this division. Like most relegated sides, the Daggers will have many departures. Right winger Danny Green left for pastures new to join Charlton Athletic. He managed 14 goals and and 13 assists last season so won't be easy to replace. League Two is probably their level so expect a top half finish without threatening the play-offs.

Gillingham: Last season they were somewhat unlucky not to reach the play-offs and Gillingham have made intent they aim to reach the play-offs. Have made a number of signings including six captures in just one day. Danny Kedwell, who scored 24 goals in the Blue Square Premier is the most notable. I would predict a place in the play-offs for the Gills.