SWINDON Town vice-chairman Mark Devlin believes appointing Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet would spell an exciting new adventure in the club's history, writes ANDY CRYER.

Devlin last night confirmed negotiations with the former Chelsea duo had moved on and said he was optimistic' a deal would be concluded in the next 24-48 hours.

A press conference is expected to unveil the appointment on Monday but, in all the excitement, Devlin made clear his regret at having to let former boss Iffy Onuora and assistant Alan Reeves go.

Wise's people were still remaining tight-lipped with agent Eric Hall saying: "We won't be saying anything until it is all sorted.'' Devlin said: "I have said it before but Iffy took over in very difficult circumstances, rooted at the bottom of the table, although we did have a glimmer of hope at one point.

"Iffy worked very hard and we are grateful for his hard work, we sincerely mean that and wish him all the best.

"We know we had to overcome losing Rory Fallon but we desperately tried to keep him.

"Once someone says they don't want to play for you any more we had to do the best for the club.

"We accept it did not make Iffy's job any easier though.

"But an opportunity has presented itself and it just seems the right time to rebuild and re-group.

"We have been given this opportunity to talk to Dennis and Gus and listen to their ideas and it is like the start to a new adventure."