As Newport County prepare to take on Swindon Town, we take a closer look at Saturday’s opposition.
What’s their story?
Swindon Town, nicknamed "The Robins," joined the English Football League's third division in 1920 and spent 43 years there before earning promotion in 1963. Their biggest achievement came in 1969, defeating Arsenal 3-1 in the League Cup final. That same season, they were promoted to the second division but later suffered consecutive relegations, landing in the fourth tier by 1982.
Under Lou Macari, Swindon won the Fourth Division title in 1986 and nearly reached the top flight in 1990, only to be denied due to financial breaches. Their Premier League dream was realised in 1993 under Glenn Hoddle, though they were relegated soon after. Since 2006, Swindon has alternated between League One and League Two, with three promotions but ongoing struggles for sustained success.
Who’s the boss?
Mark Kennedy, a former Republic of Ireland international, is now in his third managerial role with Swindon Town. His 20-year playing career began with Millwall at just 16, and he gained attention after a stunning FA Cup goal against Arsenal in 1995. That same year, he became Britain's most expensive teenager with a £1.5 million move to Liverpool. Following limited appearances at Anfield, he moved to QPR, Wimbledon, and Manchester City, where he helped secure promotion to the Premier League.
Kennedy's most successful playing stint came at Wolves, where he made 167 appearances. He later had shorter spells at Crystal Palace, Cardiff, and Ipswich before retiring in 2012.
His managerial career started with Macclesfield Town in 2020, followed by coaching roles at Ipswich and Birmingham, and a head coach position at Lincoln City. In May 2024, he took the helm at Swindon Town, bringing his vast footballing experience to the club.
Who’s the captain?
Ollie Clarke, a seasoned midfielder with extensive experience in both League One and League Two, now serves as captain of Swindon Town. Having joined the club at the start of the 2024-25 season, Clarke was an obvious choice for manager Mark Kennedy to hand the captain’s armband to, given his leadership experience. Clarke previously captained Bristol Rovers in League One, where he made 271 appearances over nine seasons.
Clarke’s football journey began in the sixth tier of English football with Gloucester City. His impressive performances during the 2010-11 season caught the eye of Bristol Rovers, who signed him in October 2010. Over the years, Clarke became a key figure for the Pirates.
Following the expiration of his contract with Bristol Rovers, Clarke chose not to renew and instead signed a two-year deal with Mansfield Town. He was immediately appointed captain by then-manager Graham Coughlan for the 2020-21 season. Though Clarke didn’t feature in Mansfield’s 3-0 defeat to Port Vale in the 2022 League Two play-off final, he continued to be a key part of the team. Mansfield extended his contract until June 2024, after which Clarke joined Swindon Town, ready to bring his experience and leadership to his new club.
Key Player
Gavin Kilkenny has quickly established himself as a key player for Swindon Town in their challenging start to the 2024-25 season.
The Irish midfielder made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut in Swindon's 2-1 defeat to Notts County. He followed this up with a standout 90-minute performance in a hard-fought 1-1 draw against promotion contenders Barrow.
Kilkenny’s journey began in AFC Bournemouth’s youth system, where he progressed to make 24 appearances over three seasons in the Championship. Seeking more first-team opportunities, Kilkenny went on loan to Stoke City, but he managed just four appearances in all competitions. Subsequent loan spells at Charlton Athletic and Fleetwood Town saw him make eight and 16 appearances, respectively. Now with Swindon Town permanently, Kilkenny looks to make a lasting impact as he continues to impress in the early stages of the season.