Swindon Town are reportedly in talks with the Republic of Ireland’s chief scout and opposition analyst, Stephen Rice, for their newly-vacant head coach role.
According to Independent.ie, the club has formally approached the Irish FA this week to start negotiations with the 38-year-old candidate.
As a result, the list of prospective head coaches for Swindon’s bid at promotion has grown with the addition of Rice, joining notable contenders such as Steve Morison, Paul Caddis, and Kieron Dyer who have all been linked with the possibility of taking over.
Swindon are in search of a new coach after Scott Lindsey’s move to Crawley Town, with the fellow League Two side having decided to take him from his role at the County Ground. The club is currently in a good position in the division, as their former manager has left them in a rather solid position.
The team is currently sitting sixth in the league, thus occupying one of the playoff spots that are available. This has naturally seen plenty of interest in the job being advertised, while it has also attracted a number of people who like to place wagers. Swindon’s form has seen many head to the Wishcasinos.com platform where they are able to enjoy a limitless, safe, and enjoyable betting experience with a number of the sites listed providing them with the odds and markets that could help to enhance any session that is enjoyed.
According to the Swindon Advertiser, after playing, Rice reinforced the Dublin and District Schoolboy League where his contributions played a major role in cultivating a number of the Emerald Isle’s internationals. Allegedly, he is said to have had an influence on the careers and the breakthroughs experienced by the likes of Nathan Collins and Jason Knight. He does have plenty of experience working in club academies, too, with time spent at Crystal Palace.
Swindon Town is looking to build a squad with ample potential and the ambition of achieving promotion, making Rice an ideal candidate due to his capability in coaching as well as nurturing young players. Swindon Town has been candid in its desire for new recruits that have these qualities.
CEO Rob Angus had recently made it known that Swindon Town FC were expecting to appoint a new manager within the next week. However, Technical Director Sandro Di Michele clarified this timeline on Monday Night Panel stating that the decision will not be made too hastily and may take longer than anticipated.
It will be interesting to see whether the club can be able to continue its fine campaign in League Two depending on who they select as their new manager to take the team forward. Many will be hoping they can make the playoffs as a minimum once again, although they will want to do better than last season when they fell at the first hurdle in their defeat to Port Vale.
If whoever comes in and can achieve promotion to League One, they will immediately be considered a great around the County Ground, that is for sure!
