TOWN’S 30,000-plus followers at Wembley on Saturday should not need much encouragement to roar their side on in the League One play-off final.

But just in case they do, a familiar face will be on the pitch before kick-off to ensure they are in the best possible voice.

Shaun Skinner is the matchday announcer at the County Ground and the 32-year-old been invited on to the hallowed turf to do what he does best - getting the Swindon faithful to sing their hearts out.

“I had a phone call from the company who take charge of all the event management for Wembley,” he explained.

“They said they were looking for a pitch announcer to gee up the Swindon fans and had been given my details by the club.

“It is a massive honour and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I will only be on the pitch about 10 minutes, but my final bit will be to lead into a well-known song connected with the team - UB40’s ‘(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You’, which should really get everyone going.

“I don’t think the Town fans will need much help as our support this season has been truly amazing, but if I can get 37,000 fans all chanting ‘Red Army’ then it will be amazing.”

Skinner is a radio producer and presenter by trade but a lifelong Swindon fan, so when the chance arose to work at the County Ground, it was too good to turn down.

“This is my second year in the job, which came about after Nick Watkins (Swindon chief executive) approached me to take over the reins,” he said.

“He wanted to improve the whole Swindon Town experience and saw the matchday announcing as part of that.

“It’s great fun and brilliant for someone who has been a fan all their life. I’ve been going to games since I can remember and used to watch from the old Shrivenham Road Stand.”

He added: “I think we will do it on Saturday - I’m quietly optimistic. Danny Wilson has talked all season about the fans being the 12th man for the team, and this is our chance to do it again in the biggest game of all.

“I’m not sure if I’m nervous about being there on the pitch or nervous about the game, but I know that us Town fans will certainly out-sing Millwall’s.”