The Preview: Chesterfield are compact, skillful and hit by injuries... can Swindon take advantage?

His late father’s ill-health and passing has, quite understandably, taken up attention and energy at a time when ordinarily he would have been buried in the minutiae of formations, systems and recruitment.

It is a credit to Marcus Bignot that preparations for the new term have continued on as close to seamlessly as could have been expected. Ultimately, these situations are why professional clubs have backroom staff. Then again, for several months in the late winter and spring, Swindon had considered the assistant role unnecessary.

Between them, Kennedy, Bignot and head of football Jamie Russell have put together a playing squad that appears united, coordinated and sensibly constructed. There is experience, both in terms of EFL games and recent promotions. There is physical presence. There are leaders. And there is height.