MARTIN Ling has become the new manager of Swindon Town after signing a two and a half year contract, the club have officially confirmed today.
Ling, the former manager of Leyton Orient and Torquay United, will take charge of the Robins ahead of their upcoming FA cup tie away to Rochdale, before getting his first taste of League One action at the Swindon helm in the home fixture against Scunthorpe on Saturday, November 14.
The appointment sees a return to management for the 49-year-old, who has been out of the hot seat since leaving Torquay United in the summer of 2013.
Ling will take no introducing to the Robins’ faithful, after starring in the Swindon side who graced the Premier League in the 1993-94 season.
Ling’s recent footballing endeavours include a coaching role within the Tottenham Hotspur foundation and a scouting position for Walsall FC. In July 2015 Ling also completed his studies for a diploma in football management.
Speaking during his unveiling as manager Ling said, “we all need to pull together, the remit now is to get this club back up the football league.”
During his previous managerial post at Torquay United, Ling was dismissed in controversial circumstances, being sacked from the position shortly after taking time out to receive treatment for depression.
Ling has since been somewhat of an ambassador and advocate of raising awareness of mental health issues within sport, and features prominently within the book Living on the Volcano which addresses the topic of mental health in football.
More to follow.