ALAN McLoughlin will look to improve the coaching standards within Swindon Town’s academy ‘where possible’ after taking charge of the youth scene on a permanent basis.

McLoughlin will oversee all of the club’s youth teams and be primarily office-based, with David Farrell now leading the U18 side.

The former Republic of Ireland international took temporary charge of the academy after Jeremy Newton’s contract at the club was terminated following an internal investigation in January.

And continuing the academy’s ‘we’ approach with regards to staffing is one of McLoughlin’s key priorities after being announced as the new academy boss earlier this month.

He said: “My vision is for the academy to carry on as it has been doing.

“Jeremy Newton did a fantastic job for all the years that he was at the club, players progressed and moved forward. We had a fantastic group of staff.

“It’s important that the coaching standards improve where possible, and the current staff keep improving.

“And again, I’ll make reference to it’s a ‘we’ approach. One player making it into the first-team involves a process, and that starts at the U9s.

“Some people take the end credit that are at the end of the development, but every coach that has played a part in the development of Scott Twine, for example, deserves credit.

“Many coaches in the academy, some of which are not here now, have played a part in his development.

“Jordan Young, Joe Romanski and Jordan Edwards are others. It’s important we continue that ‘we’ approach.”

Newton’s departure from Town followed a stint at the club lasting longer than a decade.

While his departure proved sudden, McLoughlin spoke highly of his predecessor and said it’s important the academy builds on the work already established.

He said: “I’ll try and improve it in my own little way, and I’ll know more in 18 months’ time whether we’ve made some progression.

“As long as we’re producing players for this football club – and other clubs that will, let’s be honest, take the benefit of what we can do.

“But we move forward now, things move on and staff move on. Staff that are currently here might not be here in one year or two years’ time through personal reasons or footballing reasons.”

It’s a new challenge for McLoughlin, who will now be primarily office based while still taking charge of training sessions when required.

He also plans to stay on the touchline for the club’s reserve fixtures.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge,” added McLoughlin.

“It will be difficult for me to relinquish some of the coaching responsibilities that I’ve had over the last 10 or 12 years in development football.

“I’m hoping to continue in a capacity with the reserves when we do play reserve games. I’d like to keep my hand in as well.

“I’ll be there to take some coaching sessions in the academy too when someone can’t make it.

“My knees will be under the desk rather than out on the pitch, but I’ll be out on the pitch as much as I can. I’ve got good support staff around me.”