Throughout this week our writers have revealed their hopes and expectations for Swindon Town in League One during 2012/13. Finally on the opening day of the season, it’s my turn…

Hopes and expectations for the season: After destroying nearly everyone in League Two, many expect Swindon Town will be ready to mount a serious automatic promotion challenge. But can Town really leap two divisions in as many seasons as per Lou Macari’s red & white army..? It would be nice if football was that simple…

A season of consolidation is the least that we should expect and not make the mistake an all-conquering Chesterfield made after their League Two title. With a 3 year target of Championship football and Di Canio committed – through a contract extension – to that period, 2012/13 is a season of transition with a top ten finish a certainty.

The play-offs is a realistic target, but progression in 2012/13 must be measured by more than purely league position. Can Town stay solvent come May after Di Canio will inevitably sign and release another busload of players? Will the Paul Caddis episode be the only falling out between a player and manager this season? Will Town actually submit a planning application for the stadium redevelopment, let alone recieve a timely approval to allow work to commence next summer on rebuilding the Town End?

Signing of the summer: mmmmm….not sure yet. At least this summer Town fans haven’t been treated to a rash of foreign signings – of which none were a success. Fresh arrivals in the form of Navarro, Miller, Archibald-Henville, Roberts, McEveley and Williams all have vital League One experience and judging by performances to date Andy Williams, Alan Navarro and Gary Roberts represent three quality arrivals to bolster the backbone of the first team. Okay then, of the three, Williams has got the quality and gives us an entirely different option we’ve been missing recently, pace.

Who will be the key player for STFC in12/13 and why? Any successful team needs a goalkeeper, not my words, those of Fraser Digby, so I can’t choose anyone else for the key player this season than Wes Foderingham. A deserved clean sheet against Brighton was capped with a fantastic save from a Rodriguez Vicente shot, which hopefully shows his club record form will continue throughout 2012/13.

STFC Predicted Final Position: At least 8th

League One Promoted: Preston, Sheffield United and Crewe

League One Relegated: Walsall, Hartlepool, Oldham and Bury.

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