Holloway warns over Swindon future as injuries deepen squad shortage

Swindon Town manager Ian Holloway has warned that his position feels increasingly precarious as poor results and a growing injury list put pressure on his squad. Speaking to BBC Radio Wiltshire, he described himself as a "dead man walking" if the team's form does not improve, while calling for more support for the players still available.

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According to BBC Sport's report, Swindon sit 12th in League Two after winning three of their opening eight league matches. They have gone three games without a victory and have yet to win away from home this season. Their 11 points comprise 10 at home and just one on their travels, a record Holloway acknowledged needs to change.

Holloway, who took charge almost two years ago, said the scale of the absences was unlike anything he had previously experienced. He warned that Swindon could have only 15 players available if Louis Millard cannot play. Millard had returned to training and appeared fit, the manager said, but his shoulder remained very sore, leaving his availability uncertain.

Captain Ollie Clarke is also a doubt, while Matty Virtue is not fit and Paul Glatzel is out after having fluid removed from his knee. The BBC reported that Joe Snowdon, Ryan Tafazolli, Ollie Palmer, Gavin Kilkenny, Jaylan Pearman, Harry Smith and Fletcher Holman were already unavailable. The selection problems extend beyond injuries: Mitch Clark remains suspended following his dismissal against York, and Sam Inwood is away on international duty.

Midfielder Ben Middlemass faces surgery for a cartilage problem and a potentially prolonged absence. Holloway put the minimum recovery period at eight weeks but said it could stretch to 20, rather than offering a firm return date. There is also uncertainty over full-back Joel McGregor, whose injury has not yet been identified because he is still waiting to see a specialist.

Holloway said players who had missed pre-season would find it difficult to return, while those still available were being asked to carry too much of the workload. Swindon's next assignment is an away match at Rochdale on Saturday. His immediate appeal was for backing for a depleted squad as he tries to halt the winless run and improve the club's away results.