Swindon Town's 2019/20 League Two title win was a historic achievement shaped by the unique circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. The club secured its fourth-ever league title three months after the final match through a points-per-game calculation, a decision made after the season was curtailed in March 2020.

Richie Wellens's side had been second in the table after 36 games, behind Crewe Alexandra only on goal difference and with a game in hand. Their final match was a 2-0 defeat to Forest Green Rovers on March 7, after which the lockdown began. The players and staff were unable to celebrate the title win collectively on the pitch, with fans also denied the chance to mark the promotion together.

Celebration shaped by lockdown restrictions

The title win was marked by socially distanced celebrations and missed opportunities. Instead of the instant euphoria of a referee's final whistle confirming promotion, players were texting each other 'Well done' from their homes. A later get-together in a Swindon pub was described as a 'big mess' due to the distancing rules in place. Former assistant manager Tommy Wright reflected on the emotional impact of those missed moments.

"It is great when you get to the last day, and you are running onto the pitch celebrating, and the fans are enjoying it," Wright said. He added that the euphoria was 'not there' because they celebrated six months later, and that both the squad and the supporters who had spent considerable money following the team 'did miss that' moment.

The club's current campaign sees them sitting 13th in League Two on 19 points after 14 games, a record of five wins, four draws and five losses. Their recent form of two wins, two draws and one defeat from the last five matches includes a 2-1 home victory over Rotherham United on October 31, with goals from Jack Thomson and Joseph Hungbo. That result followed a goalless draw at Bristol Rovers on October 24 and a 3-1 win at Barnet on October 20. The team has scored 15 goals and conceded 17 so far this season. They now find themselves 12 points behind the league leaders, Salford City. The club's top scorer this season is A. Drinan with 22 goals in 40 appearances. Attention now turns to the next fixture, at home against sixth-placed Grimsby on Saturday 14 November, as they aim to channel the spirit of that 2020 title-winning group.

The original report is at swindonadvertiser.co.uk