Joe Acklam

Danny Butterworth has returned to partial training with Swindon Town after missing the remainder of last season following two hamstring surgeries. Manager Ian Holloway remains interested in offering the 26-year-old a contract if he can prove his fitness, but the club is proceeding cautiously because of his lengthy absence and wider injury problems involving Harry Smith and Glatzel. Butterworth’s progress will influence whether Swindon signs another forward, while his rehabilitation reports have so far been positive.

Swindon Town may be without forwards Paul Glatzel and Joseph Hungbo for the home match against Cheltenham Town. Glatzel has not trained after suffering a hamstring reaction and is expected to return for the following game against Oldham Athletic, while Hungbo suffered a thigh setback and is unlikely to start. Swindon could still welcome back Joe Snowdon, James Ball, Jaylan Pearman and Ollie Palmer, although Palmer's playing time will be managed.

Swindon Town are expected to remain active in the transfer window after signing Jaylan Pearman and Anthony Munda to replace injured players Fletcher Holman and Gavin Kilkenny. The club is assessing further additions, particularly in attack and at left-back, while potential departures involving Aaron Drinan and Joe Snowdon appear less likely. Swindon considered several midfielders but may not pursue another option after Munda’s arrival. With all five matchday loan slots used, permanent deals are the preferred route, although another loan remains possible. Clem Morfuni’s return to England could coincide with a late push for a high-profile signing, though a proposed move for former player Harry McKirdy is not expected to be revived.

Finley Munroe said he was disappointed to leave Swindon Town after an outstanding loan spell in which he scored two goals and provided seven assists. Aston Villa recalled the left-back in January and sold him to Middlesbrough, where he made only three substitute appearances. Now on loan at Blackpool, where he scored on debut, Munroe praised Swindon's fans, staff and manager Ian Holloway, while saying he hopes to perform well enough to return to Middlesbrough and play regularly.

Swindon Town have agreed a deal to sign a versatile midfielder who is expected to be confirmed before Monday’s home opener against Cheltenham Town. The signing is intended to cover for Gavin Kilkenny, who is sidelined for several months, while the club has already brought in Jaylan Pearman to replace the injured Fletcher Holman. Manager Ian Holloway said the incoming player can operate across midfield, contribute box-to-box, and add qualities missing from the current squad. Former Oxford United and Bristol Rovers midfielder Josh McEachran is understood to have been considered for the role.

Swindon Town will close Blocks A6U and A6L in the Arkell’s Stand for home matches this season because of safety concerns related to the segregation area near away supporters. The restriction is supported by the council-appointed Safety Advisory Group, but TrustSTFC and the OSC say they were not consulted and only learned of the decision through supporters. The move follows last season’s restrictions making Town End blocks T1 and T2 adult-only after incidents of trampling during goal celebrations.

Swindon Town’s opening League Two match away to Northampton Town at Sixfields Stadium will be shown live on Sky Sports+ during the temporary suspension of the traditional Saturday 3 p.m. football broadcast blackout. The blackout is lifted because the Premier League season has not yet begun, but it will return when the top-flight season resumes on August 22–23. Swindon are seeking a strong start after narrowly missing the play-offs, while Northampton enter the match after 12 consecutive defeats. Both sides lost to higher-level opponents in the Carabao Cup the previous weekend.

Swindon Town have extended Paul Glatzel's contract by two years, keeping him at the club until summer 2029. The deal reflects a broader shift under Ian Holloway toward securing key players early and improving squad planning. Although Glatzel is returning from a major injury, his tactical intelligence, pace and technical quality are viewed as a strong fit for Holloway's hard-running, quick-attacking system, positioning him for a major role in the coming League Two season.

Former Swindon Town defender Conor McCarthy will miss Northampton Town’s opening League Two fixture because of injury. Northampton manager Chris Hogg confirmed that Janoi Donacien is fit after illness, while Jack Burroughs and Liam Shaw remain unavailable. New signing Lee Evans may feature as he builds match fitness, and Logan Briggs returns to the squad.

The preview assesses eight League Two clubs viewed as mid-table or playoff contenders for 2026/27. Rotherham United and Northampton Town are rebuilding after relegation, while Swindon Town, Walsall, Colchester United and Crewe Alexandra face concerns over squad depth, recruitment or late-season collapses. Gillingham are expected to mount a playoff push, and Rochdale return after promotion with much of their successful core intact. Contributors identify key players to watch and generally forecast mid-table finishes for most of the group, with squad adaptation, injuries and recruitment likely to determine whether the playoff hopefuls deliver.

Swindon Town lost 3–2 to Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup despite taking an early lead and impressing against Championship opposition. Yousef Salech scored twice for Cardiff, while Paul Glatzel equalized for Swindon before Jack Moylan struck the winner. Joseph Hungbo, Louis Millard, Paul Glatzel and Stephan Negru received the strongest assessments, while James Debayo was criticized for an unnecessary red card and Tom Nichols and Billy Kirkman struggled in their roles.

Swindon Town manager Ian Holloway said his side deserved more after losing 3–2 to Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup. Swindon took an early lead through Gabriel Osho after Louis Millard's effort, but two goals from Yousef Salech put Cardiff ahead before half-time. Joseph Hungbo helped create Paul Glatzel's equaliser, but Jack Moylan's late winner sent Cardiff through. Holloway praised his players' effort and improvement, while criticising the penalty awarded for Mitch Clark's handball and expressing frustration that Swindon could not force a shootout.

Swindon Town are assessing six or seven possible transfer targets as manager Ian Holloway seeks to add squad depth before the transfer window closes. Recent arrivals Kaelan Majekodunmi, Sam Inwood and Joseph Hungbo appear to have ended the club’s search for central defenders, while Filozofe Mabete has joined Forest Green Rovers on loan. Swindon are now prioritising a midfielder to cover for the injured Gavin Kilkenny and another attacker, with two loan slots remaining. Holloway said the club is weighing multiple options and may need to buy players because few suitable permanent signings remain available.

Ryan Tafazolli believes Swindon Town should target League Two’s title and mount another promotion challenge after missing the playoffs last season. He says the largely unchanged squad has performed well in pre-season, but must avoid injuries and red cards. Manager Ian Holloway has identified defensive weakness as the key issue after Swindon conceded heavily last campaign, and Tafazolli says the team must become more resolute while retaining its attacking, high-energy style.

Swindon Town striker Ollie Palmer responded sarcastically on Instagram to criticism from supporters who questioned his fitness and performances after a pre-season defeat to Bristol City. Palmer delivered a stronger display against Leyton Orient, assisting goals for Louis Millard and Matty Virtue. Manager Ian Holloway praised his link-up play while acknowledging that Palmer must be used differently from fellow striker Drinan.

Swindon Town lost 3-1 to Bristol City in their fifth pre-season friendly despite dominating much of the first half and taking the lead through Aaron Drinan. Billy Kirkman, Ben Middlemas and Fletcher Holman were among Swindon’s strongest performers, although Holman’s injury was a major concern. Bristol City’s wholesale changes and greater physical strength turned the match in the second half, with Lorent Tolaj scoring twice and Jed Wallace adding the third. The ratings column was particularly positive about Swindon’s young players and the attacking potential of its starting front three.

Joel McGregor is doubtful for Swindon Town’s season opener against Cardiff City after rolling his ankle in a training collision with Fil Mabete, with manager Ian Holloway expecting him to be out for around two weeks. Swindon are also managing several other fitness concerns: Harry Smith remains sidelined by an ACL injury, Ryan Tafazolli is returning from a calf problem, and Ollie Palmer, Joe Snowdon and captain Ollie Clarke have missed training or matches with calf and soft-tissue issues. Holloway is taking a cautious approach to player workloads during pre-season.

Ian Holloway is reconsidering his rotation plans for Swindon Town’s friendly against Bristol City after a mixed performance against Crystal Palace. Strong early play and effective pressing from the starters led him to consider giving some players a full 90 minutes rather than splitting game time evenly. He expressed dissatisfaction with the drop in quality after substitutions but remained positive about the team's chance creation. Swindon continue their pre-season preparations with further matches before the competitive season begins.

Australian defender Kaelan Majekodunmi continues training with Swindon Town as the club assesses several trialists ahead of its pre-season match against Bristol City. After a mixed performance by trialists in a previous game, some were released, while Majekodunmi remains under evaluation due to his strong potential and eligibility to sign. The 22-year-old, who has experience with Perth Glory and Australia’s youth national teams, is expected to feature in the upcoming friendly as Swindon seeks to strengthen its centre-back options following injuries in the squad.

Several Swindon Town players have stood out during pre-season, with Stephan Negru impressing in defence, Joel McGregor showing strong all-around form at right-back, Matty Virtue excelling in pressing duties, and Fletcher Holman bringing high energy and attacking movement. Their performances position them well for selection ahead of the upcoming Carabao Cup match against Cardiff City.

Swindon Town is targeting reinforcements in three key positions, assessing free agents and potential loan options to strengthen Ian Holloway’s squad ahead of a promotion push. Centre-back candidates include Sam Sherring and Jesse Debrah, both offering aerial ability and experience. Left-back options feature Adam Lewis, noted for attacking output, and Wolverhampton’s Ethan Sutherland, an energetic defender ready for League Two. Winger targets include Glenn Middleton, a productive wide player, and Ismeal Kabia, an Arsenal loanee valued for dribbling and pressing. The analysis highlights the attributes each player could bring to Swindon’s squad needs.

Finley Munroe is close to joining Blackpool on loan after limited playing time at Middlesbrough. His standout loan spell at Swindon last season drove promotion hopes before he was recalled and later sold to Middlesbrough. With the club strengthening at left-back and pursuing other options, Munroe no longer fits into their plans. Swindon had previously arranged for a potential loan return had he moved to Bristol City. Ian Holloway praised Munroe’s quality and criticised Aston Villa for letting him go.

Former Swindon Town full-back Remeao Hutton has joined League Two favourites Chesterfield after his contract at Gillingham was mutually terminated. Chesterfield continue an active transfer window following back-to-back playoff appearances, adding Hutton to bolster their attacking options from full-back. His strong assist record at Swindon contrasts with a quieter period at Gillingham, and he becomes the club’s seventh summer signing as bookmakers place them among the main promotion contenders. Hutton expressed enthusiasm for the move and confidence in the team’s prospects for the upcoming season.

Ian Holloway says Swindon Town aim to add a left‑back, centre‑back and winger after four early summer signings, with the winger position being the priority. Several trialists have joined training as the club evaluates options, and Holloway plans selective use of the loan market while preserving flexibility for the January window. The club also seeks to avoid past issues caused by heavy early‑summer spending.

Swindon Town are assessing eight trialists as Ian Holloway looks to add three more players to the squad before the season begins. Five trialists featured against Chippenham Town, including returning players Goran Babic, Favour Onukwuli and Marley Rose, alongside newcomers Shayon Harrison and Kyrie Pierre. Three Australian players, believed to be Alexandros Bordas and Kaelan Majekodunmi among them, are also training with the squad and may feature in a behind-closed-doors match against Crystal Palace. Decisions on which trialists continue will be influenced by upcoming fixtures, with a more competitive test against Bristol City scheduled next week.

Swindon Town are assessing three Australian players as potential signings while continuing preseason squad building. Ian Holloway expressed frustration that the trialists were unable to play against Chippenham Town despite preparations including them. The club may use Elite Significant Contribution rules, which allow signings of players who do not meet traditional work‑permit criteria. The Australians are expected to feature in an upcoming match against a Crystal Palace side composed of non‑World Cup players.

Gareth Ainsworth warns that significant spending by several League Two clubs, including Salford City and Port Vale, will make competition challenging, though he notes high budgets do not guarantee success. He highlights examples such as Bromley outperforming bigger spenders and says Gillingham aim to remain competitive despite not being among the biggest wage payers. Swindon Town’s spending level remains similar to last season, keeping them mid‑table in the division’s financial hierarchy.

Osvaldo Ardiles transformed Swindon Town’s traditionally hard‑running, physical approach into a fluid, possession‑based style built around constant ball work and confidence in players’ abilities. Former players describe dramatic shifts in training methods, tactical philosophy and match play, turning the team into one of the most entertaining and effective sides in the division. Despite early struggles, strong belief, trust and consistency in team selection helped Swindon adapt, ultimately producing a standout season that delivered promotion on the pitch before being undone by off‑field demotion.

Ian Holloway wants Swindon Town to strengthen their bond with supporters by creating a unique celebratory gesture inspired by Norway’s popular “Viking row” seen at the World Cup. He emphasises the importance of unity between players and fans after a season marked by disconnection and invites supporters to share ideas for improving engagement. Holloway stresses that building community spirit is essential to the club’s success and hopes fans will recognise efforts to bring the team closer to them on and off the pitch.

Swindon Supermarine confirmed that goalkeeper Luke Purnell suffered a fractured mastoid after a collision during a friendly against Swindon Town, prompting a long delay as he received medical attention before being taken to hospital. The club reported that he was conscious, able to walk, and is expected to recover after following concussion protocols. Both clubs’ medical staff were thanked for their assistance, and Swindon Town and manager Ian Holloway expressed support and well‑wishes for Purnell’s recovery.

Swindon Town opened their pre-season with a 4-0 win over Swindon Supermarine in a match delayed by an early injury to Luke Purnell and reduced to two 30‑minute halves. Aaron Drinan scored a hat-trick, with Ollie Palmer adding a fourth after the break. Individual player performances were assessed, highlighting strong displays from Drinan, several promising youngsters and select trialists, while limited defensive tests left back-line evaluations restrained.

Swindon Town’s first pre-season friendly is expected to reveal clues about Ian Holloway’s preferred formation, how new signings will fit into the squad, and whether the manager’s high‑intensity pressing demands will be evident. Recent lineup variability leaves uncertainty around tactical direction, and several new players offer flexibility but unclear roles. The match against Swindon Supermarine may indicate the system Holloway intends to build and how his emphasis on fitness and pressing will shape the upcoming season.

James Debayo joins Swindon Town on loan from Hull City as a potential replacement for Jamie Knight-Lebel, offering pace, comfort on the ball and suitability for a back‑three system. Leeds academy commentator Thomas Hill describes him as technically confident, mobile and effective in possession but still raw, less dominant physically and prone to occasional errors. Swindon’s defensive setup and coaching are expected to influence how quickly he adapts to senior EFL football.

Swindon Town returned to pre-season training with Ollie Clarke, Gavin Kilkenny and Paul Glatzel back in full training, though only Clarke will play in the upcoming friendly against Swindon Supermarine. Glatzel and Kilkenny remain unavailable as they continue recovering from injuries sustained last season. Manager Ian Holloway plans to use the match primarily for fitness, fielding two separate squads for each half and involving under‑18 players and trialists to avoid overworking senior squad members.

Michael Pook reflects on his journey from Swindon Town supporter to regular first‑team midfielder, recounting his debut, development under several managers, and key moments such as the club’s relegation to League Two and subsequent promotion under Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet. He highlights the contrasting managerial styles he experienced, the challenges of maintaining his place after promotion, and the eventual decline in playing opportunities that led to his departure.

Swindon Town begins pre-season with goalkeeping and forward positions largely settled while defensive reinforcements remain the priority. A back-three system is likely, with Tafazolli anchoring the defence and recent additions Clark and Negru contributing versatility. Midfield options are plentiful, with Clarke and Kilkenny expected to start and Virtue adding creativity. In attack, Smith and Drinan are projected as the primary partnership, though injuries, interest from other clubs and potential loans may prompt adjustments. The club continues to seek natural wingers and aims to streamline the squad for a pressing-focused approach.