Euro 2004 dreams were in tatters but Swindonians seemed determined to put England's footballing fiasco behind them yesterday.

Few workplaces appeared to suffer abnormal absenteeism in the wake of the painful penalty defeat at the hands of Portugal.

In fact many seemed to welcome the chance to talk over the agonising events of Thursday night's match.

Nationwide spokeswoman Rosemary Callender said: "With these things we find people like to come in and have a spot of post-match analysis with their colleagues."

Because Nationwide is an England sponsor, there was a lot of interest among the workforce and they were encouraged to take holiday time if they wanted to see matches. During the Euro championships many departments have been bedecked with flags, balloons and streamers.

It was a similar story at Motorola, another big employer in the town.

Spokesman Patrick Hamilton said there were a few glum faces around, but there had been no noticeable mood of misery and no more people than usual had called in sick.

Stress counsellor Andrew Hill, who was watching the match in a crowded pub, said he was like many people who weren't diehard fans but had enjoyed the camaraderie generated by the competition and were now feeling somewhat bereft.

"It is a great chance to get together with your fellow humans, supporting something that gives you a common cause," he said.

He said the British sense of fair play had left fans reeling when Sol Campbell's last minute goal was disallowed.

"They are really going to feel as though the game was won by England and they will blame the referee."

But he said there are ways to combat depression fans might feel. He suggested activities such as having a big barbecue with friends or booking something for the day of the final.

Tina Clarke