Swindon promotion push entrusted to Kevin MacDonald

Swindon have appointed former Republic of Ireland assistant Kevin MacDonald as their new manager. The 52-year-old, who was caretaker manager at Aston Villa in 2010, takes over at the County Ground after Paolo Di Canio resigned last week.

MacDonald inherits a Swindon side who are fourth in League One and just three points behind leaders Doncaster and will be in charge of Saturday's trip to Coventry.

"This is a hugely important appointment at a significant moment in Swindon's recent history and we are delighted to appoint a football man of Kevin's calibre as our new manager," said chairman Jed McCrory, who took over the Wiltshire club in February. "This is a clear message that the new board is determined to drive on for promotion this season and continue to try and bring success to Swindon.

"Kevin has fantastic football credentials as a Double-winner with Liverpool during his playing days and he is an excellent coach.

"He has great connections with top players and he is a proper football man. We have every faith for Kevin now to lead Swindon from the front at a pivotal moment in the campaign."