THE number 3,744. Was this the figure that signalled the end of Phil Brown’s time as Swindon Town manager?

When the attendance at the County Ground for Saturday’s FA Cup clash at home to York City was announced, it was a sad indictment on not just Brown’s era at the club, but also the man who put him there in the first place.

It was clear to see and hear from people who worked at the County Ground that Brown is a class act, and as he departs Wiltshire, I hope he finds success in the next stage of his career.

With Town in such a rut as a club, it was obvious the fan base needed a pick up, and chairman Lee Power needed to hire someone who would excite the fans.

But in one the most bizarre appointments seen at Town in the last few years, former Oldham Athletic boss Richie Wellens was announced as the club’s new manager, signing an 18-month contract to take the hot seat.

Be honest, as a Swindon fan, you were underwhelmed when you heard the news. You must be the most optimistic football fan alive if you were excited by the 38-year-old’s new job at the County Ground.

The circumstances surrounding his appointment are also bizarre.

Just 21 hours after the announcement of Brown’s departure, the news broke of Wellens’ immediate arrival.

That tells me the club’s owner had this planned before the weekend. If this isn’t the case, why has he made such a quick appointment?

Why not leave it open for a week and see who applies for the position before chasing someone with such a limited CV?

But the decision has been made, meaning if we want any success this season, the Town faithful have to get behind the new man and hope he can turn around our disappointing season.

Wellens has been quoted as saying he wants to play quick, attacking football, which is a joy to hear. Let’s hope he can stick to his word, as this is the standard he will be judged by over his time at the club.

Despite one third of the season already gone, the new boss has every chance of mounting a serious push for at least a playoff position with the talented players he’s been left by the previous manager.