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Swindon Town chairman Lee Power releases statement addressing club concerns

Swindon Town chairman Lee Power has published a lengthy statement concerning the latest goings on at the County Ground.

Inside the statement, Power says director of football Tim Sherwood "has been in charge of all signings this window and will continue to be going forward.

"He has worked with Luke (Williams) on each and every signing to ensure we get what is right for this club."

Power later adds that "Luke has full responsibility regarding the coaching of the players and the selection of the team and he will continue to do so."

Swindon Town are currently languishing in the bottom four in League One following a run of four defeats on the bounce and chairman Power, who also runs Irish club Waterford, says: "I still have absolute belief in what we are trying to do.

"Firstly, I want to promise you all that no one is more frustrated and disappointed with how this season has gone up to this point than I am. I have never tried to hide behind or blame anyone else for signings the club makes.

"Until this window, I have been in sole charge of all player acquisitions. I have always consulted with the Manager and/or Head Coach and kept them updated with regards to targets, but ultimately I have made the final call.

"I have continued to fund the shortfall this season as the wages have increased and understandably attendances have fallen. I will carry on doing this for as long as it is necessary to do so.

"I know it doesn't seem like it at the moment but the club is the most secure it has been in a long time as we are debt free.

"Tim is working hard speaking to clubs almost daily trying to prepare for next season. I don’t live in the country so am unable give the role the time it deserves and even if I was Tim is far more suited to this role going forward."

Sherwood, according to Williams, has taken a bit of a step back in terms of tactics and team selection but Power believes the ex-Tottenham and Aston Villa manager still has plenty to offer in the director of football role.

"Unlike most Directors of Football, Tim was on the training ground which he felt was imperative when he first came in so that he could conduct the relevant due diligence and obtain a really good understanding of what was needed on the footballing side of the club. We have started to address the areas that need improving and will continue to do so."

Since becoming chairman, Power has come under repeated criticism that his squad, that this season has not featured a single player over the age of 26, has been over-reliant on loans and young players.

In the season of 2014-15 Swindon reached the League One play-off final but the last two seasons the Robins have been entangled in relegation battles, however Power still believes this is the way the club should be ran going forward.

"Two years ago we nearly got promoted with a younger squad and lower wage bill because we recruited very well. I don't think what we are doing now is any different - we just need to do it better. I am confident that if we stay up this season then we will be nearer the top of the table than the bottom next season."

The statement concludes with Power urging supporters to back the squad for what he calls "15 cup finals" as the club aim to avoid relegation to League Two for the first time since 2011.

"We have 15 cup finals starting tomorrow night at Northampton until the end of the season. We need your support more than ever so please get behind the boys for the rest of the season. Thank you for your support."