SWINDON’s newest landlady could be in for a shock at the weekend as the town’s football supporters descend on their locals to get eyes on the League One play-off final.

Emma Parker only took control of The Steam Railway Co, in Newport Street, four days ago and is gearing up for what might be one of the busiest weekends of the year.

With the best part of 9,000 tickets unsold from Swindon Town’s Wembley allocation, the town’s pubs are facing an influx of fans staying put to watch the match on television.

Emma has been drafted in by Phoenix Pub Group to manage the Old Town sports bar, after a series of quick-fire changes in management over the past few months.

“I’ve been told it’s a very sporty bar in the past and we got incredibly busy on Wednesday night when Arsenal and Sunderland were playing,” she said.

“Some of the regulars have said I should expect it to get busy for football in the future.

“I was quite surprised, to be honest. I couldn’t believe how busy it got for a Wednesday night.

“I’m expecting it to be absolutely rammed on Sunday. It should be really good with Swindon on TV and then the usual bank holiday crowd as well.

“I have already had a few people coming in and asking if we were going to be showing it.”

The Reading native has not held back in putting her own stamp on the pub since taking over, with the decks cleared of existing staff already.

As such, it is expected to be a family affair this weekend, with four of Emma’s sisters coming in to help keep customers glasses full and their empties collected.

She’s keen to reassure patrons, she is here for the long haul and has no plans to follow the example set by her predecessor, who lasted nine days in the job.

“I really want to generate a good atmosphere in here. I have spent a lot of time clearing stuff up really. It was left in a bit of a sorry state,” she said.

“They have had a lot of managers in and out over the past couple of months and I just want them to know I’m going to be here a while and give it a bit of love.

“I’m not going to mess them about.”

If there are any experienced bar staff looking for work, Emma is happy to take in any CVs at the pub.

Town kick-off at 5.30pm and the match will be shown live on Sky Sports One.