SWINDON have sacked boss Mark Kennedy after just five months in charge.
The League Two side have confirmed that first team coaches Marcus Bignot, Steve Mildenhall and Gavin Gunning will remain in place to take charge of this weekend’s clash with Gillingham.
Kennedy, 48, signed a two-year deal with Swindon back in May.
But following a poor start to the season, the Irishman has been relieved of his duties.
In a 90-word statement, the fourth-tier side confirmed: “Swindon Town Football Club have parted company with head coach Mark Kennedy.
“Marcus Bignot, Steve Mildenhall and Gavin Gunning will continue in their current positions, with all three first-team coaches in place to oversee this weekend’s game against Gillingham.
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“Everyone at Swindon Town Football Club would like to express their appreciation to Mark for his commitment and hard work during his time with the Club and wish him all the best in the future.
“A further update on the club’s new head coach will be provided at the earliest opportunity.”
The former Ireland international won three of his 16 games in charge of Swindon in all competitions.
In his final game in charge they were beaten 2-1 by Salford on Tuesday night.
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Following the match, Kennedy went on to blame his players’ decision making.
He told the BBC: “Unfortunately we found a way to lose the game.
“Our decision making leaves me scratching my head a little bit. The games we’ve lost, I don’t feel this season, with the exception of Walsall, anybody’s come and beat us.”
Kennedy went on to add: “When I look at Darren [Moore] at Port Vale, Grant [McCann] on Saturday, Karl [Robinson] tonight (Tuesday), when I look back and reflect and visualise the following day having played my team and what they did to beat us, I keep coming up with the same answer: ‘We were really lucky there, they didn’t half help us’.
“We’re handing teams wins – Carlisle, two set-pieces, Port Vale first goal, set-piece.
‘DIFFICULT FOR ME TO TAKE’
“Second goal tonight, clear your lines. We bizarrely think we’re going to take somebody on in the box and go across the goal and put ourselves in difficult situations.
“That’s really difficult for me to take as a head coach.”
Swindon are 22nd in League Two – three points above the relegation zone and already 10 back from the play-off places.
Kennedy previously worked as Macclesfield boss in 2020 amid the club’s financial turmoil.
He was then appointed Lincoln manager in May 2022 before leaving in October last year.
As a player Kennedy represented the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, before eventually hanging up his boots in 2012 following a spell with Ipswich.
Swindon have moved quickly to appoint Ian Holloway as Kennedy’s replacement.
The former Crystal Palace, QPR Blackpool and Plymouth Argyle boss will officially begin work on Monday, but will be in attendance as his new side take on Gillingham tomorrow.
‘SUCCESS AND POSITIVITY’
Upon joining the Robins, Holloway said: “I’m delighted to be back working in football after a period out of the game as I wanted to get back into it if the right opportunity arose which, with this opportunity, I feel is the perfect fit for me.
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“Conversations happened very quickly and both sides were very keen to get the deal done and of course, I was delighted to engage with a club like Swindon Town, a club of whom I know a lot about due to my location and knowledge of the local area.
“I want to be able to bring everyone together to deliver success and positivity on and off the pitch and I’m delighted to be at The Nigel Eady County Ground tomorrow to meet you all for the first time as Swindon Town Manager and I look forward to a successful time working together.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
