When Stuart Fleetwood was appointed as Head Coach at Swindon Supermarine in September, he arrived at a club in desperate need of a kick-start having mustered just one point from their open ten League games.
Even at that early stage of the season, with four relegation places to try to avoid, their Pitching In Southern League Premier South status was in doubt, but Fleetwood, along with assistant, Dan Gillespie, were able to turn things around and give them a fighting chance of survival.
It went right down to the final day, but their 3-0 victory over Winchester City took them to 49 points and a final position of 16th, a real achievement given the circumstances and enough to earn the duo a richly-deserved two-year deal.
“Survival was our only goal from the moment we walked through the door,” Fleetwood told us. “I don’t think people realise exactly how far adrift we were; we didn’t win our first game until 12 matches into the season and prior to that we only had one single point!
“That’s a quarter of the season gone, so to reach 49 points at that stage was unthinkable. Even more impressive was to completely change the style of play and the players’ mindsets during that toughest of starts.
“I never once doubted my own ability as a coach. It’s also so important to have staff that believe in the same vision, because any doubt that creeps in, you want to revert or change to a different style.
“So, for me to have an assistant in Dan Gillespie who never wavered was a huge asset. The players bought into it and delivered in key moments throughout this time for us.
“I’ve played in this League, so I know what it’s all about. But the standard of player has improved since my time and the financial muscle of all clubs is constantly being flexed.
“In previous seasons, 37/38 points kept you safe, this season 47/48 points got you relegated. That’s huge progress and the gap between bottom and top is so slight now, it’s ultra-competitive.”
With a new two-year deal agreed, it allows Fleetwood to start plotting for next season straight away.
“This deal works both ways,” Fleetwood added. “I want to coach/manage higher in the future, I’m very honest about that.
“The club have secured our services and also, we have continuity into the plan ahead. This is a working project and to be at the helm of it is very exciting.
“Our planning for the new season started the day after the final game of the season with phone calls to the players, the retained and released lists, it never stops.
“The club has a plan in mind and it meets our vision as staff and players. It’s important we align and try to progress each season.”
IMAGE: Swindon Supermarine FC
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