Swindon Town coach heaps praise on rising star Hunt

Swindon Town under-18s boss Sean Wood insisted the club would continue to support Harley Hunt after he burst on to the scene at the end of the season.

At just 16 years of age, the defender made his first-team debut for Town after coming off the bench in a 2-1 defeat against Walsall last month.

He then started games against Grimsby and Morecambe, as interim head coach Gavin Gunning experimented with his squad in the latter stages of the campaign.

Hunt netted a brace back in under-18s company, as Town’s youngsters overcame Cheltenham Town 6-2 in their final league fixture of the season.

Speaking to the club website about Hunt, Wood said: “Fair play to him, he looks massive out there, doesn’t he? He doesn’t look out of place at all.

“It is brilliant to see, he is a great kid who wants to learn, but he still does have loads to learn.

“But it was two really good positive performances and two starts when he didn’t look out of place.

“He knows what he needs to improve on and we will continue to do that next year with whatever environment he is in and what staff he is working under.

“We will continue to work with him and support him on and off the pitch.

“He has got the right character and determination to kick on now, so that will hold him in good stead.”

Town’s first team finished 19th in League Two this season, with 54 points from 46 games.

The County Ground side announced the departure of 11 first-team players following the end of the season.  

(Picture: Rob Noyes)