Swindon Town Football Club has this afternoon unveiled Mark Kennedy as the new First-Team Head Coach, signing a two-year contract to lead the team into the upcoming season.
Kennedy, 48, arrives at Swindon Town following a successful tenure with League One side Lincoln City, where he steered the Imps to an impressive 11th place finish in his debut full season as manager. With previous coaching stints at Macclesfield Town and clubs like Manchester City, Wolves, and recently-promoted Ipswich Town, Kennedy brings a wealth of experience to his new role with Town for the 2024-25 season.
A distinguished player in his own right, Kennedy enjoyed a illustrious playing career spanning the Premier League and Championship. Beginning with Millwall, he went on to grace the pitches of Liverpool, Wimbledon, Manchester City, and Wolves, showcasing his talent at the highest level of English football. Additionally, Kennedy proudly represented his country, earning over 30 caps and scoring four goals for the Republic of Ireland.
Kennedy’s time at Swindon Town kicks off immediately, with preparations underway for the upcoming Sky Bet League Two season. Details regarding his coaching staff for the new season will be announced in due course and it is understood that Gav Gunning will remain part of the coaching team.
Expressing his excitement about joining the club, Kennedy remarked, “Firstly, I’m really excited to be here at Swindon Town and I’m very much looking forward to the project that is in place here.
“I also think it’s crucial we look forward now and plan for the future with the exciting plans here at this sleeping giant of a football club, which I’m confident we can all achieve if we’re all pulling in the same direction.
“Another key factor that I think is vital to us being successful together, is the connection we build between the club and the fanbase, that’s something that I’m committed to and I hope that I can continue to grow and make stronger whilst I’m here.
“I look forward to meeting you all soon and I’m confident that if we can put strong foundations in place and build on the positives here at the football club, so that we will have a successful and exciting time during my period in charge.”
Head of Football, Jamie Russell, shared his enthusiasm for Kennedy’s appointment, stating, “Mark’s introduction to the club brings us a new start with fresh ideas and something we are very much looking forward to.
“His approach and coaching style will provide strong leadership, motivation, and guidance to all players.
“His coaching qualities can also help every player to develop regardless of age due to his experience in coaching at category 1 academies, working with first-team players across the EFL and finally from being an elite player who has represented his country on several occasions and played in solely the top-two tiers of English football.
“Another attribute Mark will bring is a passion for being at Swindon Town, and delivering the huge potential we all know this club has and we’re confident he can lead us in guiding the club to this level.
“This appointment will generate excitement and interest among fans as Mark will show through his dedication to supporting fan engagement across the club and we are delighted he has agreed to join us here ahead of the new season and look forward to seeing what he’ll bring to our first-team footballing department too.
“Overall, the appointment of Mark Kennedy as our new Head Coach is an opportunity for positive change and progress across Swindon Town Football Club.”
Kennedy’s arrival heralds a new era of optimism and ambition for Swindon Town Football Club, with fans eagerly anticipating the positive impact he will bring both on and off the pitch.
