JOHN McGreal has been appointed as Swindon Town's new first-team manager.

The former Colchester United head coach has signed a two-year contract with the League Two club, keeping him at the County Ground until the summer of 2023.

McGreal told the Swindon website: “I’m absolutely delighted! With the relegation this season, it’s a club I look upon in League Two as a League One club and that’s our aim this season to try and get the club back to where it should be.

“It’s Swindon Town! That alone makes you want to apply for the job. I’m sure there were numerous applicants and I’m happy to get my hands on it.

"There’s a lot of work to be done, a lot of players we need to bring in and I’m looking forward to that challenge.”

McGreal left the U's last July and spent a total of 11 years as a coach at Colchester, including four years as head coach.

He led them to the League Two play-offs and League Cup quarter-finals for only the second time in their history, last season.

McGreal also helped the U’s compete for a top-seven finish in his first three years in charge.

He also helped a number of talented players progress to a higher level, after shining under his management.

He parted company with Colchester last summer, with his assistant Steve Ball succeeding him as head coach.

Robbie Fowler and Paul Tisdale had also been in the running to replace John Sheridan as Swindon boss.

But now former Ipswich Town and Tranmere Rovers defender McGreal has now landed the job.