Swindon Town manager Ian Holloway has detailed a significant injury blow and a costly suspension as his squad prepares for its next League Two fixture.
The manager confirmed a key player suffered a severe ankle injury in the recent 1-2 home defeat to Crystal Palace U21, playing on in pain for an hour. "The clarity is his ankle jumped out of joint and the swelling and the bone bruising around there is going to be severe," Holloway said. "He did it in the first five minutes, and he played on for 60." The player's willingness to continue highlighted the team's current strain, but his absence will be felt.
Compounding the injury problems is a disciplinary issue. Holloway confirmed a defender will be suspended after a reckless challenge earned a red card in the same match, depleting options at full-back. "I think, when you're reckless, as reckless as that was, there's nothing to do with it," the manager stated. He indicated he would not impose a club fine this time but warned that future incidents would result in financial penalties. The player's actions, Holloway said, made it "impossible for the team to compete" in that game.
Squad availability
Holloway provided updates on several other players ahead of Tuesday's match. One forward is not fit for that game but has a chance of returning for Saturday, while striker Tom Nichols is available and will feature. Another midfielder is still not back in training but is closer to a return than before. With these absences, Holloway confirmed that Danny Butterworth will start in the upcoming match.
The manager, who recently marked 100 games in charge at the County Ground, acknowledged the team's recent form is a concern. Swindon Town sit ninth in League Two with 10 points from six games, but have lost their last two matches. Their recent five-game sequence reads two wins and three defeats.
Holloway emphasised the need for his side to become harder to play against, especially away from home. He described the season as a marathon but expects his team to find its sprinting pace soon. The goal, he said, is for his players to feel proud of their performances and not embarrassed. He pointed to created chances in recent games that were not converted as an area for immediate improvement.
Looking at the broader picture, the manager said he cares deeply about everyone connected with the club, from staff to supporters. The privilege of managing Swindon Town, he added, is what drives him to work through this challenging period. The team's next match is a key opportunity to halt the losing streak and build on their mid-table position. Fans can check the upcoming schedule on our fixtures page and see the latest squad news here.
The original report is at Swindon Advertiser
