Back to the future for returning boss

Swifts officials named Brown, pictured, as the successor to Cliff Akurang on Monday, two weeks after his predecessor's departure seven games into the new campaign.

The former Barnet striker took over at Scraley Road midway through last season before going on to secure the club's Ryman League status in April.

He left after securing just two wins this season, leaving Brown to start turning around the club's fortunes when he takes the helm again at Southern League Aylesbury in the FA Trophy's Preliminary Round at the weekend.

Brown led Swifts to the play-offs after replacing Mark Hawkes in December 2013. After leaving Scraley Road in the summer to take over at Grays Athletic in the Ryman Premier, he went on to manage Welling United in the Football Conference club before parting company with the Wings after just nine games at the helm in March.

In a club statement, Swifts officials also announced the return of Steve Pitt as a director of football, a post he previously held working alongside former managers Brian Statham and Wayne Bond.

Brown is confident he can quickly put his experiences to good use and make an impact despite the club's current predicament.

He told the club's fans: "It's a huge challenge to take with the club currently bottom of the table and a situation I never expected to see after our run to the play-offs two seasons ago.

"I've accumulated a great deal of experience over the last ten years from the bottom all the way to the top of Non-League football, as have all the staff, and I believe with hard work, support, and a group of hungry players, it can and will turn around.

"I feel that alongside a very experienced management staff, we can create a professional environment, implement a playing philosophy and a winning mentality, and most certainly bring some stability and good times back to Scraley Road."

He added: "People have asked why I'm willing to drop back down to this level having worked so hard to climb the Non-League Pyramid, and the answer is very simple - the club`s future plans, the belief in the staff, my desire to manage again, and the chance to show that we can turn around the club's struggling fortunes.

"It won't happen overnight, but me and Steve will give it everything we have, on and off the field, and I'm sure we can create an environment and a positivity for the loyal band of supporters to get behind again. I’m glad to be back."

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