League Two Preview 2011/12: Swindon Town

The League Two Preview rounded off this weekend and today I look at Swindon Town, a club who have undergone major changes this summer. For more previews from myself, @maxihobbs and @greenwichgull, see the links at the bottom of this page!

Recap of last season	After losing in the Playoff Final in 2010, the Robins suffered from the loss of key players that summer. A dreadful run that saw them win just once between the turn of the year and the start of April saw them inevitably relegated. The installation of Paulo Di Canio as the new boss in the summer means that Town fans are in for an entertaining season!
Personnel in	Di Canio has dipped into his contacts to bring in Italien defender Alberto Comazzi from Spezia on a free transfer. Meanwhile, a more well known name around the lower leagues is Alan McCormack who signed from Charlton this week. The midfielder turned out 24 times for the Addicks in League One last season and brings bags of experience to the County Ground. Raffael De Vitta (Livingston, free) Mattia Lanzano (US Gavorrana, free) Alan Connell (Grimsby, Undisclosed) Mehdi Kerrouche (Unattached)
Personnel out	David Prutton was always likely to leave for higher ground following relegation and the talented midfielder did indeed make a move by signing for Sheffield Wednesday. Jonathon Douglas is another to leave a hole in the middle of the park as he leavs on a free transfer back to League One at Brentford. Michael Rose (Tranmere, free) Scott Cuthbert (Orient, free) Alan Sheehan (Notts County, free) Joe Devera (Barnet, free) Elliot Benyon (Wycombe, loan) Jon-Paul McGovern (Carlisle, free)
Strengths	Di Canio’s magnetism and contacts book could prove vital during the transfer windows.
Weaknesses	The manager is new to League Two and could take time to understand what’s needed to win promotion and to compete at this level.
Key man	Matt Ritchie – Finally found a permanent home at the County Ground last January after various loans from Portsmouth. Likely to provide creativity and the odd goal to the Swindon cause.
One to watch	Billy Bodin – Young left midfielder or striker, Bodin will be looking to push on this season and try to live up to the standards set by father Paul during his successful time with the Robins.
Outlook	It’s going to be a newsworthy season whatever happens at the County Ground and the Di Canio factor could work either way. Coping with the loss of David Prutton and Jonathon Douglas will be tough but I still expect them to be in at least a Playoff place come May.
Predictions	Ben: The acclimatisation period for the new manager and players will scupper an automatic promotion bid, but play-offs should be the minimum target. Danny: Could take time to gel so in and around the playoffs at best. Maxi: This could go absolutely anywhere. Top half is as accurate as I could predict.