Swindon Town open their third pre-season friendly against Chippenham Town on Tuesday, seeking clear signs of tactical progress under Ian Holloway before the League Two campaign begins.
What to watch for in the Chippenham clash
With the competitive season just weeks away, Swindon Town are under pressure to show they’ve absorbed the extra training in Alicante. Holloway called the one-week trip the equivalent of two weeks at home, packing in extra contact time to drill his tactical structure. The early pre-season focus has been on attacking play, with direct runners unsettling defences-something Town showed against Swindon Supermarine and Costa City. More refined versions of those moves would signal the players are clicking.
League standing: 9th in England League Two, 75 pts, 22W-9D-15L from 46 games, recent form LLDLW. Goals this season: 70 scored, 59 conceded (+11 goal difference). The Robins sit 12 points behind Bromley in the title race after a tough finish last season, including a 1-2 loss to Chesterfield on May 2, 2026.
Trialists under the microscope
Chippenham is a key audition for Goran Babic and Favour Onukwuli, plus other trialists Holloway lined up this week. Wingers and full-backs have dominated the trial pool so far, and Babic stood out at Supermarine with quick ball movement and smart runs beyond the defensive line-exactly what Holloway wants from his advanced midfielders. Lower-league performances won’t guarantee contracts, but they can prove fitness and tactical fit.
Will Holloway stick with Plan A?
Town have used four separate line-ups in two friendlies, all in a 4-3-3 with pace up front. That’s likely Plan A, but Holloway could pivot quickly. James Debayo’s role in midfield is one to watch-has he nailed his position, or will Holloway shuffle again? The answers could shape how Swindon start their League Two push.
Swindon Town’s next step is simple: show they’ve turned Alicante’s work into match-ready patterns. Against Chippenham, the focus isn’t just on winning-it’s on proving they’re ready for the step up.
