I WROTE earlier this season in support of Colin Todd and his young Swindon Town team, but after 12 games of the season I certainly didn't expect us to be fourth from bottom in Division Two.

The old adage that the tables never lie is certainly correct, and whilst I expect a manager with Todd's nous and experience to sort it out, there are several things which need to be explained.

It is obvious to virtually every Town fan that we lack physical presence.

Every side we have played this season has at least one commanding centre half who wins almost everything in the air.

Whilst Todd is to be applauded for wanting to play the game in the right way, ie, on the deck, he must also accept that in Division Two the ball spends much of its time in the air.

Accordingly he needs a big, experienced striker to hold the ball up and bring others into play. He also needs a big stopper in the Shaun Taylor mode to counter the aerial threat at the other end.

In addition, the manager must realise that we will not dominate games with the current midfield.

Bobby Howe goes round in circles and Duke drifts in and out of games.

Overall, as a unit, it is just too lightweight. Of course the injury to Hewlett, one of our most consistent performers, is most unfortunate.

So what will be success for Swindon Town FC? Mid-table. Colin Todd is no fool. He knows this is realistic.

Unfortunately we are nowhere near achieving this yet and will continue to struggle until the problems I have mentioned are addressed.

Put simply we need at least three players to compete in this division.

One final point. Please Mr Todd, do some work on corners. Stop chipping them in and drive them in at pace.

MR MERRIMAN

Cheltenham Drive

Chippenham