[themaclad]

Swindon Town have appointed former Newport County and Walsall boss Michael Flynn as their new manager.

The 42-year-old will take over after their final game of the League Two season against Crawley on Monday.

He replaces former Chelsea coach Jody Morris, who was sacked last week after just 18 games in charge.

Flynn was sacked by the Saddlers at the end of April after a run of one win in 20 matches saw them fall away from play-off contention.

He twice led Newport to the League Two play-off final during his four years in charge at Rodney Parade but the Exiles were beaten by Tranmere in 2019 and Morecambe in 2021.

The Welshman left in September of that year before joining Walsall in February 2022.

Swindon owner Clem Morfuni told the club website: "This was a thorough and fast-moving process as we had very specific requirements for this role, and Michael quickly became the leading candidate.

"We wanted to appoint a manager who is experienced at League Two level, and Michael's knowledge of the current squad, the division itself and potential new recruits is very comprehensive and impressive."

[themaclad]

Swindon Town boss Michael Flynn has signed a contract extension with the League Two club to run until the end of the 2025-26 season.

The 43-year-old was appointed manager at the end of last season on a two-year-deal after former Chelsea coach Jody Morris was sacked.

He guided the Robins to an impressive nine-game unbeaten run to start his first full campaign in charge.

Assistant manager Wayne Hatswell has also signed a contract extension.

"Today is about securing our future with the club and looking to build on the successful start we've made so far," Flynn said in a statement.

"While we will always take learnings from disappointing moments, we are laser-focused to live in the moment and enjoy the challenges that this journey will bring.

"One thing is for sure - we cannot do this alone.

"It is the Swindon Town support that defines us as a football club and we can't wait to work with you for a few more years to deliver the success that we know we as a football club are capable of!"

Flynn was previously in charge of fellow League Two side Wallsall and before that enjoyed success with Newport County during a four-year spell.

Swindon chairman Clem Morfuni believes Flynn and Hatswell have the leadership skills to produce sustained success at the County Ground.

"Their commitment, hard work and the overall exciting style of play they have been insistent on bringing to the club since their arrival in the summer, makes them a perfect match for Swindon and our supporters," he said.

"We are delighted to be able to continue our journey with Michael and Wayne as they look to continue leading our team on the pitch."

[themaclad]

Swindon Town manager Michael Flynn has left the League Two club after just over eight months in charge following their 2-1 defeat by Crewe on Saturday.

Flynn was appointed on 8 May last year and signed a contract extension at the start of November to run until the end of 2025-26.

A club statement said the decision came as a "result of amicable discussions".

Swindon are 15th in the table and have won just three of their past 15 matches, losing 10 of them.

Flynn's assistant manager Wayne Hatswell has also departed, with Gavin Gunning - the Robins' development phase loans manager - taking charge of the team in the interim period.

"Firstly, I would like to thank Michael and Wayne for their efforts during their time at the club and wish them all the best in the future," club owner Clem Morfuni said.

"I have confidence that Gavin can deliver a successful campaign for the 2023-24 season and this starts with Saturday's game against Tranmere.

"We hope our supporters will continue to back the first team and the new coaching staff we have in place, as we look to build a positive, successful environment."

Former Walsall and Newport County boss Flynn took over at the Wiltshire club at the end of last season, following the sacking of Jody Morris after 18 games in charge.

Swindon started this season with a run of nine league games unbeaten but results have since faded, with the Robins now eight points away from the top six.

Their 54 goals conceded is also the joint-second worst total of any club in the division.

The team has been hampered by a number of injuries to first-team players this winter and after the loss to Crawley, Flynn said they had been at their "bare bones". Two players were signed on Friday, with Flynn indicating on Saturday that more were coming this week.

However, his departure means Swindon are now searching for their fifth manager since June 2022 after Ben Garner, Scott Lindsey and Morris preceded him.

Swindon owner Morfuni - who took over in July 2021 following a lengthy legal battle - reiterated in November that he was committed to the club and not looking to sell.

Yet last month he was charged with breaking English Football League rules, for failing to disclose that he transferred 17.1% of shares in the club in September 2022.

'Contract extension in November, departure in January'
Analysis - BBC Radio Wiltshire's Andrew Hawes

Poker players will know life with the three of clubs and six of spades is much harder than having a pair of kings. You can do something with it, but it requires creativity and luck.

That was pretty much the task handed to Michael Flynn. On the pitch, August was tremendous fun. Off it, time slipped away and with it, the extra players obviously needed.

Injuries quickly took their toll, as happened to him at Walsall, and the gamble of the expansive style paid off less and less.

But when the fun stopped, things remained the same. Formation and style were consistent, and that's where the hand might have been played differently.

But the blame is far from his alone. What plan exists when a manager has a contract extended in November and leaves before spring?

Flynn's successor would be better off being a magician than a poker player.