FORMER Cherries boss Mel Machin was expected to be offered the post of Swindon Town manager today with Andy King likely to become director of football at the County Ground.

Machin, who retired as director of football at Dean Court last month following eight years with Cherries, is thought to be the Swindon board's choice to take charge of team affairs.

Machin has reportedly already had talks with Swindon officials to discuss a role at the County Ground and Robins chief executive Mark Devlin was expecting a decision at a lunchtime meeting today.

If the deal goes through, Machin would take charge of team selection with current boss King likely to concentrate on player recruitment.

King has already tried and failed to secure the services of Tony Adams and Chris Waddle to assist him.

Machin, 57, appears to be the board's choice as the man most capable of turning results around.

Swindon chief executive Mark Devlin told today's Swindon Advertiser: "I can confirm that the board has met with an individual and that a further meeting will take place today.

"I would envisage that the person in question would have a direct influence in team affairs. That would mean a slightly different role for Andy King."

During Machin's time at Dean Court, he played his part in pulling Cherries back from the brink of extinction.

And before moving upstairs at Dean Court in the summer of 2000, Machin had held the manager's post for six years.

He rescued the Cherries from almost certain relegation in his first season and Cherries out at Wembley for the 1998 Auto Windscreens Shield final against Grimsby Town.

For the time being however, King remains the boss and was due to lead the players at training this morning.

He said: "I am privy to the person the board are in discussions with. But as for how any change would affect Andy King or Swindon Town, that remains to be seen.

"But I have to focus on the football. We have an important derby game at Bristol City tomorrow and I want to make sure the players are properly prepared and focused.

"I can't comment any further at this stage."