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Swindon Town manager cautious with squad fitness ahead of Accrington clash
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Ian Holloway has opted for a precautionary approach with key players Paul Glatzel and Tom Nichols as the club focuses on their upcoming League Two fixture.
Swindon Town manager Ian Holloway has prioritised squad fitness ahead of this weekend's league match against Accrington Stanley, adopting a cautious approach with two senior players following the club's recent defeat in the Jersey Mike’s Trophy.
Following the 2-0 loss to Newport County, Holloway confirmed that both Paul Glatzel and Tom Nichols were kept out of the starting line-up as a preventative measure. The manager opted to rest several key individuals, describing the midweek fixture as a controlled training session rather than a competitive priority.
Glatzel, a former German youth international, was originally slated to play a role from the bench. However, the forward reported feeling tired and leggy during training sessions ahead of the match, leading the coaching staff to withdraw him from the squad entirely. Holloway confirmed that the decision was taken purely as a precaution, and the player is not currently suffering from a long-term injury concern.
Similarly, striker Tom Nichols was managed carefully during the defeat. Having recently dealt with a recurring calf issue, Nichols was substituted in the 72nd minute. Holloway explained that the substitution was driven by the need to protect the player, noting that he anticipates needing Nichols for the weekend's league action at the County Ground.
The midweek line-up featured a heavy rotation of academy prospects and players in need of match sharpness, including Freddie Hoare, who became the club's youngest-ever starter. Holloway defended the squad selection, emphasising that the risk of further injury to his primary league options would have been counter-productive to the club's immediate objectives.
Looking ahead to Saturday, the manager expressed hope that the measured rotation will ensure a more robust squad is available to face Accrington Stanley. For the Town faithful, the emphasis remains on the league campaign as the club looks to capitalise on the recovery time granted to the senior playing staff.
Source: Wiltshire Times — Football · View original