SWINDON Town defender Mathieu Baudry believes it is too early to say what Richie Wellens’ side can achieve this season ahead of their opening home league fixture against Carlisle United this afternoon.

The Frenchman agreed with his manager when stating the league table only properly begins to take shape after a dozen games or so, but Baudry does believe his new side are already in a much better spot tactically now than they were during a hectic pre-season schedule.

Town played 10 games throughout the month of July as match fitness and sharpness was steadily increased ready for the opening day of the League Two season away at Scunthorpe United.

Work on defensive shape and discipline was not fully taken into consideration until later on in July, according to the 31-year-old, and as such, the centre back believes Town will only continue to improve in terms of discipline and organisation as the season progresses.

He said: “The start has been nice, but at the same time, we know there is a lot we can improve on.

“We have to work to move the ball better. It was the first game of the season, so it’s always going to be a bit cagey at times and players need time to settle down.

“It was nice to get the clean sheet, and I feel we are much more organised as a team now compared to pre-season.

“It’s good to see the reward from that hard work, but you should always plan to work hard even after keeping a clean sheet.

“After the first round of games, there are 10 teams that think they are going to win promotion – it doesn’t work like that.

“After 10 games we will know where we are. We’ve won our first game, but we need to understand what we can work on to improve – that’s the best way to approach it.”

The Le Havre-born player has been something of a mentor to new signing Sidy Sanokho since the French midfielder joined on a short-term deal, and Baudry discussed the challenges Sanokho will face while in England.

Baudry reminisced about his early days in England – spent as a trainee at Bournemouth – before he went on to make almost 250 appearances in the lower echelons of English football.

He said: “I knew the school basics, but it’s different when you’re on the pitch and everyone is shouting, and you’ve got to react quick.

“I don’t feel teams in this league approach games differently home and away.

“For me, being centre half made things harder. You have to communicate a bit more in that role – in midfield you can get through by using your ability.”