Opposition View: Swindon Town Fan Lee Witts' Honest Analysis Ahead of Notts County Match

Introduction:

Name: Lee Witts.

How long have you supported Swindon Town? I’ve supported Swindon since I was about four years old.

Are you a season ticket holder? I’m not a season ticket holder because I have a young child at home who is too young to go to games at the moment. However, I go to most home games and some away games, including some long ones.

Age? 29.

Favourite Player? The legends Don Rogers and Sam Parkin.

How do you feel about Swindon Town’s performance so far this season? What do you think are the main reasons behind the team’s current position in the league?

I think we need new players. Our squad depth is shocking, which is why our start to the season hasn’t been good. We capitulated during the first home game against Walsall.

How do you feel about the recent loan signings of Miguel Freckleton, Joel Cotterill, and Kabongo Tshimanga? How do you think these new players will integrate with the existing squad?

Freckleton looks like he’ll be a decent signing after a few more matches. Cotterill needs to improve as he hasn’t had a good start. Tshimanga could be a great signing if he scores a few early goals.

What are your expectations for the upcoming game against Notts County? Which Notts County players do you think Swindon Town should be most wary of?

My expectation for the game on Saturday is a win, but I know that Notts are much better defensively so far this season. So, a draw would still be a solid result! If we control the midfield and limit Jatta’s service, I would be very happy.

What strategies do you think Swindon Town should employ to secure a win against Notts County? How do you think Swindon Town’s recent signings, like Jeff King and Grant Hall, can contribute to the strategies you mentioned?

Jeff King has an amazing cross and shot. If we find Smith in the box, he’ll likely win the header and score because of his stature. Even though Hall had a bad game against Walsall, he has plenty of Championship experience and should start performing well in the future.

How has the fan support been this season, and how do you think it affects the team’s performance? What are your thoughts on the management and coaching staff’s approach this season?

Our fans expect more than what we’ve been giving them. We’re one of the biggest clubs in this division on paper, but we’ve nearly gone out of business and underperformed in the last four or five years. Our fanbase is fed up and wants to see results and passion. This season, we’re playing more direct football than we have in the past, and it will take some time to get used to. But I believe we can turn our fortunes around.

Are there any particular players you are excited to see develop this season? Which player do you think has been the standout performer so far this season?

I think Will Wright has been our standout performer. He looks very solid, and he was a great signing after his success with Crawley last year. He’s also a set-piece expert, so he’s my best player so far this season. When he finally gets fit, Sean McGurk is a very talented youngster, and I can’t wait to see him flourish in the right hands.

What are your hopes and expectations for Swindon Town for the rest of the season? What changes or improvements would you like to see in the team moving forward?

The playoffs were our objective this season, but after the first three games, and if nothing improves, I’d probably say mid-table or even relegation if our performances don’t change. However, we have a lot more experience this season, and I think we should be okay.

How do you think Swindon Town can effectively cope with teams that like to retain a high amount of possession? Additionally, what adjustments do you think the team should make to their defensive and midfield strategies to counter such teams?

I think we’ll struggle on the counter-attack. Walsall, for example, punished us every time they attacked in the last home game. However, not every game will be like that, and I think we’ll have our fair share of possession over a long and fruitful season. Also, I think we have a good chance of getting a result against Notts County if we can keep Jones quiet on Saturday.

Final comments from Chris

It’s still very early in the season, and Swindon Town’s start is a false impression of their abilities. They are a good League Two team with some very good players, and the arrival of Kabongo Tshimanga on loan from Peterborough United should give them a threat up top. Notts will see this as a good opportunity to continue their undefeated start. I believe it will take a few more games before Swindon start to pick up their season, so I think their form will benefit Notts if we control the game. Jodi Jones and our midfield will be crucial in making the game difficult. I think Swindon will be defensively tight and hard to break down. The Magpies must be creative in their bid to get their first three points on the road. I predict a 2-0 win, but I acknowledge that it could end in a draw.

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