Swindon Town chief Andrew Fitton finally concluded the long search for a permanent successor to Maurice Malpas and then insisted: "We've got the right man."

Former Bristol City boss Danny Wilson was officially confirmed as the new manager just an hour before Town took to the field for a crucial relegation clash with Leyton Orient yesterday and will take charge for the first time when Brighton visit the County Ground tomorrow.

Wilson only entered the race to claim the vacant County Ground hot-seat last week after leaving League One rivals Hartlepool and his appointment comes just seven days after Newcastle Academy director Richard Money was offered the job.

A £100,000 demand for compensation by the Magpies scuppered the chances of that deal going through to allow Wilson to steal in at the last moment and secure a return to the West Country.

And although chairman Fitton admitted the failed deal to secure Money's services was a 'disappointment', the Town chief insisted that Wilson will prove to be the 'right man' to realise his ambition of leading Swindon into the Championship.

He said: "Once Danny left Hartlepool and became available he was very quickly added to our short list. Within an hour of meeting with him it became obvious that he was our man.

"I was disappointed that the Richard Money deal fell through but perhaps fate dealt us a favourable hand that day because I am even happier to have secured Danny's services."

Fitton also reacted to criticism levelled at him in some quarters over the length of time taken to finalise the appointment. Six weeks had passed since Malpas was relieved of his County Ground duties – a period which has seen Town spiral into relegation trouble.

"I was fully aware that we were in danger of getting dragged into the relegation mix, but I didn't see that as a reason to rush the appointment," he said. "I wasn't interested in listening to the criticism because I think people would be disappointed in me if I had let a bit of stick influence me so easily.

"We went through correct procedure and that sort of thing takes time. I didn't want to rush this because if you act in haste you usually end up repenting at leisure."

The former City boss arrives without any additional backroom staff and will work with assistant David Byrne and coaches Ady Williams and John Granville.

"Danny has already stated that he will come in and work with the existing backroom team," Fitton confirmed. "He will see how that goes and I am sure he will make a decision based on what he sees and thinks is best for the club."