Swindon Town boss Andy King has endured a frustrating summer.

A lack of money has prevented King from improving a squad which finished just one place above the relegation zone last season.

Frenchman Eric Sabin is the only new name to date and few would bet against The Robins being involved in a second successive relegation scrap when the new campaign gets underway.

King was making the right noises about his side's chances this week when he told the Swindon Advertiser: "The players have come back in buoyant mood and with a spring in their step.

"A lot of players have gone but I feel the squad now is stronger than it was at this stage last year.

"The most important thing is to get off to a good start. It is so important. I came in last year like a horse forced to race with a handicap."

The truth is that Swindon's financial situation is still handicapping their manager.

An empty transfer kitty has left King trawling through the free transfer list and he has not been helped by the departure of a number of players, including highly-rated goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall to Notts County.

Only two weeks ago King's feelings were made clear. He said: "I just want some reality.

"Just what is the position? There are only three options. Is it a question of bringing in Bosmans, are there funds available or is it get on with what I've got? I just want an answer to that question.

"Ideally you want to be told that funds are available but if that isn't the case then I need to know.

"I'm not scared of taking responsibility for bringing players in but the faster I can get my squad together, the faster I can start to work on it and work with it."

Mildenhall was not the only summer departure. Fraser McHugh, Andy Williams, Adrian Bakalli, Gareth Hall, Sam Campagna and Jamie Mills were all released.

Williams is set to join Bristol Rovers while namesake Martin Williams has left for Stevenage Borough after a disappointing spell at Swindon.

Ian Woan, the former Nottingham Forest man, has moved to America and striker Gary Alexander is also expected to move on.

Sabin has been joined by three triallists ahead of the opening pre-season friendly at Penzance today.

They are cultured midfielder Alex Russell, who was released by Cambridge at the end of last season; striker Sean Farrell, who is available on a free transfer from Notts County; and young defender Gary Haveron from Bolton.

King has been keen on central defender Shaun Maher from Irish club Bohemians but again money has been the stumbling block on a deal.

The Robins boss would also like to sign Michael Reddy on a permanent basis from Sunderland.

Reddy spent the tail end of last year on loan at Swindon and his goals were highly significant in keeping them up. However, Sunderland are unlikely to let one of their brightest young talents go.

All this means a lot of responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Australian forward Danny Invincibile, who made a huge impact in his debut season last year.

His goals could carry Swindon again but the truth is The Robins are likely to be in the scrap for survival come next May.