Holloway on staff shuffle ahead of new campaign

Manager Ian Holloway hailed the step up made by Gavin Gunning, as he gave his first thoughts on Swindon Town’s new-look coaching structure.

The club confirmed Gunning had replaced Marcus Bignot as Ian Holloway’s number two, having worked in his backroom staff last season.

He has been part of the coaching staff at the Nigel Eady County Ground since July 2022, working under various managers as well as previously stepping up as interim boss.

Following Gunning’s promotion, David Carney has been named as first-team coach, having originally joined the club in December 2025 as international pathways manager, as well as the academy’s recruitment and loans manager.

Speaking about the changes, Holloway told the club’s official YouTube channel: “Gav, I am delighted he wants to step up. Step out the shadows to speak honestly and come out and work with me and take that senior role, which is a very important one.

“I’ve had Dave Carney before as a player, a wonderful fella. To have him already here to connect with the youth team and us, that’s what I normally like to do, I work with everybody that I’ve got.”

On Bignot’s exit, he added: “I think Marcus is a fantastic coach. He inspired people but he has a way that he wants to do it. I wanted it to continue and keep going but I felt we crossed wires a few times with the information we were giving the lads.”

Meanwhile, Town have announced a friendly fixture during their pre-season trip to Spain next month.

They will take on local opposition in Costa City during their training camp in Alicante. The fixture will take place at the Estadio Camilo Cano on Friday, July 10 (7pm local time).