Who will be Swindon's key player this season?

SWINDON TOWN will look to gain automatic promotion back to League One this season. And with eight new signings having so far been brought into SN1 this summer transfer window, TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his prediction on who will be Swindon’s key player over the course of the season.

Key Player: Michael Doughty

His arrival at the County Ground ahead of the upcoming campaign has brought with it excitement, creativity, and a renewed sense of optimism. But now Doughty must do his talking on the pitch. 

Patchy form last season whilst at Peterborough United in which he made thirty-one appearances, with just a single goal to his name, see’s Doughty come to the County Ground with a point to prove as the midfielder looks to get a wayward career back on track. But can he live up to the expectations of the Swindon fans this year?

Two previous loan spells with the Robins, his latest coming two seasons ago, seen him make an instant impact on a Swindon side lacking creativity in the engine room of midfield. 

And as the Wiltshire side aim to earn promotion, distancing themselves away from the bottom division of the English Football League, Doughty will need to rediscover the form that made him one of Queen’s Park Rangers hottest prospects.

Operating further up the pitch in a number ten role, the 25-year-old specialises in unlocking defences and providing crucial support to the attacking line with key assists, whilst also chipping in with goals of his own. 

His playmaking capabilities make him a threat to any side that Swindon may face, but it’s not only these attributes that make him a key figure in Swindon colours. 

Originally progressing through the ranks of QPR, Doughty has worn the shirts of nine different clubs in total during a relatively short career. But despite this he has managed to establish himself as a leader wherever he may go. 

Olly Lancashire recently highlighted that the team is full of on-pitch leaders and Doughty is certainly one of them. His experience of playing throughout the various leagues makes him a strong character in the dressing room and somebody who players around him, especially the younger squad members, will look up to.

Phil Brown will expect big things from Doughty and if he can perform to his potential then he will undoubtedly be the key player in a side full of new faces. Arguably playing in a division well below his capability the midfielder must now demonstrate his talent that justifies a big wage, with him being judged on how successful Swindon are this season.

The aim is promotion and anything less will be seen as a failure. But with Michael Doughty in the side, Swindon Town have the requirements to make this season certainly one to remember for all the right reasons.