A FORMER Swindon Town promotion hero has explained why he still lives in the town after hanging up his boots.

Jerel Ifil spoke exclusively to the Adver about life after playing for the League Two side and why he has stayed in Swindon.

The former defender made 220 appearances between 2003 and 2009, netting five goals, including a promotion-sealing header versus Walsall in a 1-1 draw.

“I live in Swindon, and it is a positive part of my life which is why I decided to stay here and open a business that helps the community here,” he said.

“I grew up in a relatively impoverished area, so when I signed my first pro contract and have the money for a house, I knew I’d have to live where I played.

“Both myself and my wife liked the feel of Swindon as well as the distance to London where our family are.

Swindon Advertiser: Jerel Ifil still lives in Swindon and runs a mentoring centre in the town named Iprovefit.Jerel Ifil still lives in Swindon and runs a mentoring centre in the town named Iprovefit. (Image: Newsquest)

“You can get a better quality of life just outside of London but it is easy as we can go straight back there too.”

The 40-year-old recently opened the new location of his mentoring centre Iprovefit at Ganton Way, on Monday, April 17.

Alongside business partner Danny Greenfield, Ifil is hoping to help the younger generation of Swindon achieve a healthier body and mind.

Yet even with the Iprovefit going well, the former Town defender admitted that he still misses turning out at the County Ground.

“I miss the professional aspect of it, but my body can’t do what it used to do and I retired relatively early at 32,” said Ifil.

“I wanted to come out of it and rely on myself rather than relying on the football side.”

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Ifil still tries to keep up with the League Two side’s progress and has even gone to games with his former teammates.

“The last game I went to I was with Sam Parkin last season,” he said.

“I didn’t manage to get tickets for the Manchester City game in the FA Cup and I don’t even know enough people there because it’s changed so much so I couldn’t even sneak a ticket.”

“I’d like to watch more games but my missus hasn’t had me for Saturdays for most of our relationship so we try and see family.”

If you would like to read more from our chat with Jerel Ifil, you can read about his thoughts on Town's current season here.