Jamie Russell said that the appointment of Ian Holloway should help the Swindon Town players to restore their confidence after a slow start to the campaign.

Swindon come into the Gillingham game after back-to-back defeats which cost Mark Kennedy his job as head coach but face Mark Bonner’s side are not in great form themselves, arriving at The Nigel Eady County Ground off the back of five straight defeats.

Gavin Gunning will take interim charge before Holloway takes over on Monday, with Marcus Bignot and Steve Mildenhall supporting him hoping to get Town back on track in the league.

Russell said that he believed Swindon needed to get back to having faith in their own style of play and what they needed to do, instead of adapting too heavily to the opposition, with the appointment of Holloway helping to accomplish that.

He said: “I think that his enthusiasm, the way he is, his knowledge, and the fact he has been in these situations before will rub off on the players straight away.

“I believe that that will help to give them the confidence which I believe they have been lacking in the past couple of games.

“I think the ability for us to be what we are [is the main thing that needs to improve] instead of changing to what other teams are, there is no point trying to outdo a long ball team by playing long ball.

“We should stick to what we are, we have got good players and a good group and when we do get the ball down and play good football like we did against Notts County, you can see how they can play.

“I think that it is just that confidence in themselves to stick to the task, if it is not working early on then stick to it instead of resorting to a longer ball or a direct pass.”

With crowds at The Nigel Eady County Ground falling this season and an uncomfortable atmosphere, there is hope that his ebullient personality should help to galvanise the supporters and lift the mood around the ground.

Russell said: “I think [he can help lift things], I think that just having Ian around the ground beforehand, he is somebody who wants to connect with fans and speak with fans.

“Obviously he is passionate about the area and I think that should give everyone a real boost.”