SWINDON Town U18s boss Alan McLoughlin said he will support interim coach Matt Taylor where possible, but added the first team role is not something he would take on.

The 50-year-old, who has been in charge of the club’s academy for two years, was some fans’ initial opinion to become first team manager after it was announced David Flitcroft and Ben Futcher had left the County Ground to join Mansfield Town.

But McLoughlin admitted taking on the responsibility of managing the first team was not something on his mind, adding developing young football players is where his passion lies.

He said: “I’m 15 years retired now. It’s very important if you do want to step into management at any sort of level that you hit the ground running.

“If you get the opportunity, great. Take it.

“But when you get to my age it’s not something I’d be looking at because I like developing young players. I did it at Portsmouth successfully.

“You miss the boat, and that boat has well and truly sailed now. I’m there for Matt to help with experience, he has the confidence.

“It’s a bit different stepping from being a player to making those key decisions. But it will be great experience for him.

“It will stand him in good stead for the rest of his career. It’s now up to the players to respond, and I’m pretty sure they will.

“There are good players in the squad, they now need to keep the momentum going and take it into the remaining games to keep the club in the playoffs and push for an automatic spot.”

While Town chairman Lee Power searches for the club’s new first team manager, McLoughlin said the past seven days has been ‘business as usual’ for the academy set-up.

“We wish Dave and Ben all the best and we’ll support Matt for whatever period he’s in charge,” said McLoughlin.

“We’ll support him in training as we did with Dave and Ben - they had the players when they were needed.

“If I can help in any way I will help to assist the football club. I’m employed by the club and as a club we’ll stick together to take us forward.

“Hopefully Matt will hit the ground running and you never know he might need one or two younger players down the line.

“It’s a great opportunity for him.”