Douglas Departure The Unlucky Thirteenth?

Jonathan Douglas today confirmed his exit from the County Ground, joining League One side Brentford upon the expiry of his Swindon contract, and could prove to be the biggest loss on a list of departures that now totals thirteen players.

Douglas, Swindon captain last year and a virtual mainstay in the centre of Town's midfield during his two years with the club, is thought to have rejected the offer of a new two-year contract, seemingly ending his affilation with the Robins and instead remain in League One with Brentford.

The news comes as something as a blow for Swindon fans, with Douglas being one of a handful of players from last season's debacle that supporters were keen to keep hold of. The decision will hugely disappoint fans as many, if not all, felt that a midfield with Jonathan Douglas in it would certainly be an asset in the Football League's basement division.

Nonetheless, the club, the board and interim Chairman Jeremy Wray did everything in their power to keep Douglas at the club. He was offered new contract terms relevant to the Club's new League Two status. He was told that he would feature in manager Paolo Di Canio's plans. He would remain one of the club's highest earners. And yet, like so many players in the modern game, loyalty just isn't key in making a decision about their respective futures.

During his two years with the club, combative midfielder Douglas made 84 appearances, with his only goal to date coming against Sheffield Wednesday in a match that sealed Swindon's relegation. Despite his goalscoring record flattering to decieve, Douglas' experience, presence and midfield prowess are all attributes that will be sorely missed as Town look likely to begin another Pre-Season with the loss of a captain.

Fans will hope that Douglas's departure will not mirror the effects that former skipper Gordon Greer's had just twelve months ago. Greer's untimely move to eventual League One Champions Brighton and Hove Albion is considered one of the most significant of contributions to Town's downward spiral and supporters are keen for history not to repeat itself upon Douglas' departure.

In a bid to appease frustrated fans, the signing of experienced centre back Alberto Comazzi has been confirmed. The former AC Milan and Hellas Verona player has signed a two-year contract at the County Ground and joins Joe Devera, Jonathan Smith and Raffaele De Vita as Swindon's Summer signings. The squad, or what is remaining of it, meanwhile, will be joined by three trialists for their tour of Italy, in the form of virtual unknowns Ibrahim Atiku and Oliver Risser, and infamous football 'badboy' Leon Knight.