Gunning: 'We’ve got to change the mentality of the whole club'

Interim head coach Gavin Gunning stressed the need to “change the mentality” at Swindon Town as he attempted to piece back together their season.

The Dubliner stepped into the hot seat for a third time on a short-term basis, following the sacking of Michael Flynn last month. 

Since then, Gunning has presided over one win, two draws and two defeats, with Town currently occupying 18th spot in League Two. 

And speaking following their 2-1 home loss against MK Dons on Saturday, Gunning insisted the entire club needed a change in mindset. 

He told the club’s official YouTube channel: “Listen, we’ve got to change the mentality of the whole club. 

“The thing is, we’re a team at the minute that feels sorry for ourselves, so when we go one or two down, do we go under? No. 

“That was the pleasing thing because before when we went one or two down it went three, four, five. 

“Whereas on Saturday, we’ve come back, weathered the storm and then at the end we’re chasing. We’ve sent the keeper up with two minutes to go.

“It’s football. At the end of the day you are going to win games, you are going to lose games. It’s how you react from it.”

Despite a late fightback, it's defeat this afternoon.#STFC pic.twitter.com/KwNvS5nhR2

— Swindon Town Football Club (@Official_STFC) February 17, 2024

Town have only won twice since the end of November, having gone on a nine-game unbeaten run to begin their league campaign. 

“I know it’s not been a good season for the fans,” said 33-year-old Gunning. 

“We started off so well, then fell off a cliff. Now I am trying to put it all back together, which is not easy. 

“But all I can do is give it my best, give the lads a structure of where we want to get to and what we’re trying to do.”

Swindon’s next test comes against table-toppers Stockport away from home on Saturday (3pm). 

(Picture: Rob Noyes)