Phil Brown: Swindon appoint former Derby, Hull, Preston & Southend boss as manager

Phil Brown is just two short of 500 games as a Football League manager

Swindon Town have appointed former Derby County, Hull City and Preston North End boss Phil Brown as manager until the end of the season.

The 58-year-old has been without a job since leaving League One side Southend United in January.

Swindon are ninth in League Two - two places outside the play-off places - with 10 games remaining.

They have have been without a manager since David Flitcroft departed for Mansfield Town on 1 March.

Midfielder Matt Taylor, who will remain at the Wiltshire club as part of Brown's coaching set-up. took charge for Saturday's 3-0 home defeat by Cheltenham Town.

Brown will begin with a trip to 14th-placed Cambridge United on Saturday, with his new side two points off a play-off place.

"We have a 10-game season now," he said. "It's really a snapshot of what football is all about. This is an opportunity to get the club promoted.

"The lure of the play-offs and possible promotion was a big attraction for me, as was the sales pitch from the chairman. Lee Power outlined what he wants for the club and the ambition.

"Swindon, as a club, have been a sleeping giant for years now. They have a fantastic history with some great names to have played or managed here."

The County Ground managers

Former Hartlepool, Halifax Town, Bolton Wanderers and Blackpool right-back Brown, formerly Sam Allardyce's number two, becomes Swindon's ninth manager in seven years.

Since Danny Wilson left in March 2011, they have had:

• Paul Hart (57 days)

• Paolo di Canio (one year and nine months)

• Kevin MacDonald (103 days)

• Mark Cooper (one year and nine months)

• Martin Ling (58 days)

• Luke Williams (16 months)

• David Flitcroft (nine months).

Fabrizio Piccareta, Power and Taylor have also taken caretaker charge in separate short-term spells.