Swindon Town players are using a hypnotherapist to give them a bit of extra edge.

Peter Gilmour started working with the Robins at the start of October and is focussing on removing the negative thoughts from their game.

Gilmour's work is not like the hypnosis shows you see on television.

There are no swinging watches, no players dancing around like monkeys - and there is certainly no joking around.

Gilmour said: "This is about the psychology of players and helping them fulfil their potential.

"I do all sorts of sessions. Sometimes I will work one-on-one, sometimes I'll speak to the whole team. I also focus on different areas of the team - like the midfield.

"The players have their eyes closed and drift away while I speak to them. It takes them to a place where they use their imagination and are able to remove any negative thoughts.

"I have absolutely no doubt that it can help a player's performance."

Gilmour visits the lads in training, and also speaks to them in the dressing room before matches.

He added: "Football is an old-fashioned world. Not all of the players will take to the ideas straight away.

"But there has been a positive attitude to it at Swindon and some of them seem to be taking to it.

"Before matches I try to get all of them to relax and I transfer strong, positive messages into their minds.

"The results are usually pretty instantaneous."

And the hypnosis seems to be working!

Gilmour's first match was at home against Northampton Town. The Robins won 2-1 - their first victory since the opening day of the season.

He added: "I see myself as part of the team now. You have the manager, coaches, physiotherapist, and I see the role for myself alongside those people.

"We all play a part in helping the players reach the top of their game."

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