THE 1940's

SEASON 1948-1949

squad | table | stfc results | all results | transfers | friendlies | kits | programmes

An average start to the season sees the Town sitting in mid-table - but, spurred on by 25-goal Morris Jones, they lose just one game between Christmas and the end of the season. However, ten of those games are drawn, and the run isn't quite good enough for a promotion push, and Swindon finish up in fourth place.

Football League Division Three (South):  4th of 22
 
RESERVES 15th in Football Combination - Section A reserves table | reserves results |
COLTS 14th in Western League Division Two colts table | colts results |



SEASON 1947-1948

squad | table | stfc results | all results | transfers | friendlies | kits | programmes

A disappointing League campaign, but the Town go on a great cup run - beating Ipswich and Aldershot, before being drawn away to second favourites Burnley in the Third Round. The Town cause a great upset, winning 2-0 at Turf Moor, and they continue their giant-killing antics in Round Four, seeing off Notts County. Unfortunately, the run ends in the next round, after defeat by Southampton.

Football League Division Three (South):  16th of 22
 
RESERVES 10th in Football Combination - Section A reserves table | reserves results |
COLTS 8th in Western League Division Two colts table | colts results |



SEASON 1946-1947

squad | table | stfc results | all results | transfers | friendlies | kits | programmes

The first proper League programme since the War begins, and the Town do surprisingly well, finishing fourth in the table - albeit seventeen points from the promotion place. Twins Alf and Bill Stephens set some sort of record in September, when they both score in 4-1 win at Brighton, then they repeat the feat a week later in a 2-0 victory over Exeter at the County Ground. Bill ends the season on 27 goals - but his form is overshadowed by the arrival of youngster Maurice Owen, who averages nearly a goal a game following his arrival in January - including a hat-trick on his debut.

Football League Division Three (South):  4th of 22
 
RESERVES 10th in Football Combination - Section A reserves table | reserves results |
COLTS 5th in Western League Division Two colts table | colts results |



SEASON 1945-1946

squad | table | stfc results | transfers | friendlies |

With the County Ground used as a POW camp, and the club virtually disbanded, the War affects Swindon more than most other clubs - so when football returns, they struggle to field a side. After Neil Harris' tragic death in 1940, Louis Page takes over as manager - and just as in 1940, many guests are used - a total of fifty players are utilised in the two main competitions - the unofficial Division Three (South) Southern Section, and the Division Three (South) Cup, which was played in a League format. The Town impress in neither, finishing sixth of eleven in the former, and ninth in the latter. Off the pitch, after more than fifty years of continuous service, the club's first secretary/manager, Sam Allen, sadly dies on New Year's Day - and reports of his funeral take up three columns in the Swindon Advertiser.

Football League Division Three (South) Southern Section:  6th of 11
 
RESERVES 10th in Southern League Division One reserves table | reserves results |



SEASON 1939-1940

squad | table | stfc results | all results | transfers | friendlies | programmes

Swansea manager Neil Harris takes over the reins, signing a two year deal - but just three games in, the Football League season is cancelled due to the outbreak of World War Two. The Town join the Wartime South West Regional League - fielding a hotch-potch of players, staff and guests throughout the season, as military call-ups decimate the squad. Harris himself even comes out of retirement to make up the numbers, and on one occasion, trainer Harry Martin, a winger retired nine years previously, keeps goal. In total, 46 players are used throughout the season, and though they start well, they lose nine and draw three of the final thirteen games of the season - the only victory coming on the final day, and the Town finish fifth of the eight competitors. At the end of the season, the War Department requisition the County Ground for use as a Prisoner of War camp - and the Town are effectively wound up for the duration of the war, selling most of their assets, and dispensing of the services of Harris until football is resumed. Tragically, Harris dies before the end of the year at the age of just 46, and three Town players - Alan Fowler, William Imrie and Dennis Olney - are killed in action.

Wartime South-West Regional League:  5th of 8
 
RESERVES Southern League Division One reserves results |