Australian businessman Clem Morfuni was back in Swindon last week to witness a night many Town supporters will want to forget.
The 2-0 home defeat to Barnet, with late goals from substitutes Emmanuel Osadebe and Dennis Adeniran, handed the visitors their first points back in League Two. Yet the bigger blow came with confirmation that striker Harry Smith has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and will miss the rest of the season.
Speaking exclusively to The Swindonian after the weekend’s victory over Shrewsbury, Morfuni was open about the challenges, but clear on his ambitions for the campaign ahead.
Injury Setback
“First and foremost, Harry’s injury is devastating — for him and for the team,” Morfuni explained. “He’s been central to our plans, and losing him is a huge setback. But football moves quickly, and we have to adapt. The medical team will give him the best possible care, and we’ll make sure he knows the club is behind him.”
Promotion Remains the Aim
With Swindon sitting eighth in the table after five matches, the message from the owner was firm: promotion remains the goal.
“Our aim has not changed,” he said. “We need to get out of this league. Whether that’s automatic or through the play-offs, we just need to go up. This club belongs at a higher level, and we’ll do everything within the rules to get there.”
Backing for Holloway
Attention naturally turned to manager Ian Holloway, who was appointed to steady the ship and push for promotion. Morfuni was unequivocal in his backing: “I’ve told Ian he’ll get whatever he needs. The EFL Squad Cost Ratio means we have to be sensible — wages, agent fees, it’s all measured against what the club earns. But as long as we stay within those limits, we’ll support him in building a squad strong enough to challenge.”
Asked about the transfer window, he confirmed at least one more addition is likely. “We know we need reinforcements, particularly after Harry’s injury. There will be at least one more signing. If Ian says he needs more, then we’ll do everything possible to bring them in.”
Stadium Frustrations
One disappointment this summer has been the setback around the Don Rogers planning. Yet Morfuni was keen to stress the club’s safety record is sound.
“The safety issues were always under control. The planning failure was frustrating, but it’s one hurdle. We’ll regroup and look at the options again. Long term, improving the stadium remains part of our vision.”
Looking Ahead
With a tough campaign ahead, the Town owner remains optimistic.
“This club has so much potential, and I’ve always said we’ll only go as far as the fans, players, and staff take us together. We’ve had setbacks already, but we’re united in our goal. We want to be celebrating promotion come May — nothing less.”
