ONE former member of the Crazy Gang hopes another will still be at the Swindon Town helm in five years time and that the club has finally learnt its lesson and covered all the bases', writes JON RITSON.

Alan Reeves' eight years at the County Ground came to an end this week as the club wielded the managerial axe.

However, far from wallowing in bitterness Iffy Onuora's former number two hopes the respective arrivals of Dennis Wise and Bill Power will herald the stability that Reeves himself was never able to enjoy, either as a player or a manager.

Reeves, although more than a shade disappointed that he had to rely on Onuora and media coverage to follow the unfolding story, bears no malice towards his former employers.

He said: "Of course I'm disappointed and it's a shame that Iffy and myself won't be around to see the benefits of the new era at the club.

"Obviously there's new money coming into the club with Mr Power and the players will think Dennis Wise is Father Christmas.

"I'm sure he won't be telling them that pay cheques will be late, something we've all had to endure."

Reeves arrived at the County Ground in 1998 and has known little else but struggle ever since.

He said: "I would be more than happy to see Dennis still in charge five years down the line because it will hopefully mean he has brought success but perhaps just as importantly it will spell stability.

"There has been no stability during my time. If you include Dennis Wise and Andy King (twice) I have been through eight managers.

"On top of that, how many different people have there been in the boardroom? Probably as many.

"This has to work and I just hope the club is putting in place a structure that will last.

"You look back to the Neil Ruddock era. The club landed itself in a real mess and only a second administration eventually got them out of it.

"They can't afford to get it wrong a third time. I trust there will always be a plan B'.

"This football club deserves some success and I hope Dennis and Gus, backed by Mr Power and the rest can deliver it.

"I've a couple of irons in the fire and if nothing else you look back on this introduction to management and take the view that whatever hits myself or Iffy in the future, we should be able to take it.

"Any regrets? A couple of relegations. A personal highlight, scoring the winner at Ashton Gate in 2000. I just wish I'd known this (the sack) was going to happen before the last game of the season. Then I'd have had a chance to say a proper goodbye.

"I'd like to say thanks for all the support I've had over the years, from the staff, the fans, the lady who sells programmes outside the players entrance, everyone."