Three former Swindon Town favourites have been handed the tough task of leading Swindon Supermarine out of the doldrums.

Former County Ground midfielder Tom Jones has been appointed as the club's new player-manager following the sudden departure of John Murphy at the weekend.

Slightly more surprising is the recruitment of ex-Northern Ireland international Alan MacDonald as Jones' assistant.

Paul Bodin, another Swindon old boy, will take a prominent coaching role, and Supermarine chairman Steve Moore said: "I'm delighted, the combination is ideal.

"We know that Tom has great qualities as a coach and we welcome Alan who has tremendous contacts in the professional game."

Jones, 38 next week, enjoyed an illustrious playing career, his time at the County Ground sandwiched by spells at Aberdeen and Reading.

He still commands a starting place

at Hunts Copse, and took temporary charge last season before Murphy's arrival.

He has taken a prominent role in coaching the club's academy, and will take charge of first team training for the first time tomorrow night.

Jones and co will then attempt to lead Marine off the bottom of the Dr Martens Western Division at Gresley on Saturday.

Jones said: "It is something I have wanted to do for a long time, and now the time is right," he said.

"I won't be making massive changes because I haven't got the resources, but I will be looking to change the style of play to a shorter passing game."

Jones revealed it was his idea to bring MacDonald in as assistant.

"We work well together and sing off the same hymn sheet. We're looking forward to the challenge."

Jones becomes Marine's third permanent manger inside 12 months, following the departures of Murphy and Clive Maguire.