Swindon manager Maurice Malpas believes the Robins have some exciting times ahead and has targeted a top seven finish for his Robins side.With the Robins just six points off the League One play-offs and the appointments of chairman Andrew Fitton and director Jeremy Wray, Malpas feels the club are making some positive strides forward.

He told the club's official website: "If we don't get into the play-offs this season then it will be a disappointment but not a disaster. Since Andrew (Fitton) and Jeremy (Wray) have come in then you can see the club is making progress. A lot of things are happening off the pitch and that's exciting."

The Robins have handed professional contracts to nine youngsters ahead of their FA Youth Cup clash with Charlton on Tuesday night and Malpas insists he would like nothing more than to see them progress into the first team under his management.

"Nine of the players have been taken on professional deals. We are trying to safeguard the future of the club because we want these players to come through and play in our first team," he added.

"One of my goals here is to see some of the youth players who are playing against Charlton in our first team in a few years time. It is good for the club because it is easier to develop local players rather than going out and buying someone else's."

More Football News from TEAMtalk