TOWN chairman Willie Carson insists the club is in the 'final furlong' of recovery and that fresh investment is more than mere wishful thinking.

Speaking to shareholders ahead of yesterday's 2-1 win over Brighton and Hove Albion, the former jockey told the club's annual general meeting: "We are well down the road to getting new investment into the club."

Carson added that a lot of work was going on behind the scenes which could spell 'good news'.

He said: "We know there is still a lot of work to do but I think we are on course and into the final furlong.

"My heart is for Swindon Town and I would love to be chairman of this club in the First Division."

Director Bob Holt's preferred analogy was that the dark clouds were lifting over the County Ground and blue sky was now visible.

Shareholders at the AGM were informed that money remained tight at the club but football as well as finance was discussed and Carson was full of praise for his manager.

The chairman said: "Andy King has done a good job.

"It is a stronger squad than we had last year and we are all still hopeful that we can make the play-offs at the end of the season.

"He was given 'x' amount of money to bring players in and myself and the board are happy with what's happened.

"We can see that ray of light."

That ray of light grew a touch brighter with yesterday's triumph over the Seagulls.

Although goals from Sam Parkin and Stefani Miglioranzi only lifted Town up to 12th, they are just three points off the play-offs once again.

Manager King said: "The players responded after the Rushden defeat and gave what I asked for."

Potential headaches however are the possible early recall to Watford for Jerel Ifil and a suspension for Andy Gurney, the Town skipper having been booked for the 10th time this season.

Buying Ifil is the only answer to the Watford issue and King joked: "I've asked Sir Seton Wills if he'll give me a late Christmas present."

In Gurney's case, referee Steve Tanner has agreed to review the player's yellow card.