Joe Acklam

James Ball has returned to partial training for Swindon Town after suffering a Grade 2A hamstring tear during the warm-up before the Bristol City friendly. His recovery is broadly on schedule, though manager Ian Holloway has not set a return date. Swindon have dealt with injuries to 14 players during pre-season and the early competitive campaign, but Anthony Munda and James Debayo are expected to return this weekend, potentially allowing an 18-man squad. Paul Glatzel and Joe Snowdon could return against Oldham Athletic, followed by Sam Inwood against Colchester United. The club will continue carefully managing the minutes of returning and recently signed players.

Former Stoke City manager Tony Pulis has backed Swindon Town manager Ian Holloway to continue succeeding as he begins his 23rd season in management. Pulis praised Holloway's record of overachieving with clubs operating on limited budgets, highlighting his promotion of Blackpool to the Premier League and his enthusiasm and character. The pair, who came through the ranks at Bristol Rovers, remain close friends.

Former Swindon Town loanees Finley Munroe and Tom Wilson-Brown are set to move to League One. Munroe, who was recalled by Aston Villa and sold to Middlesbrough, has joined Blackpool for the season after recovering from a minor injury. Wilson-Brown is expected to leave Leicester City permanently for Stockport County after making 19 starts for Swindon last season. Other former Swindon loanees have also secured or are being considered for moves elsewhere.

Swindon Town lost 3–2 to Cardiff City in the first round of the Carabao Cup, extending their wait for a victory in the competition to 12 years. Louis Millard gave Swindon an early lead, but Yousef Salech scored twice before half-time. Paul Glatzel equalised after the interval, before Jack Moylan scored a late winner for Cardiff. Despite the defeat, Swindon's new-look team and pressing performance offered encouragement ahead of their league match at Northampton Town.

Swindon Town manager Ian Holloway says the club is not currently seeking another centre-back after Filozofe Mabete joined Forest Green Rovers on loan until January. Kaelan Majekodunmi’s permanent contract and Sam Inwood’s arrival from Bolton have strengthened the defensive options, while Billy Kirkman, James Ball and Ollie Clarke can also provide cover. Holloway believes Mabete will benefit more from regular National League football, and considers the squad well equipped despite concerns over Ryan Tafazolli’s fitness.

Swindon Town have signed Australian youth international centre-back Kaelan Majekodunmi on a one-year contract after he impressed during a three-week trial. Manager Ian Holloway praised the 22-year-old’s physicality, pace, strength and aerial ability. Majekodunmi, who has five Australia Under-20 caps and previously played for Perth Glory and Dandenong Thunder, joins a strengthened defensive group. His birth in Northampton is expected to simplify international clearance and work-permit issues, while his arrival contributed to Filozofe Mabete leaving on loan for Forest Green Rovers.

Former Swindon Town loanee Tyreece Simpson has joined League Two rivals Port Vale on a one-year contract after leaving Stevenage. The 24-year-old striker scored 11 goals in 30 appearances for Swindon during the 2021/22 season and previously came through Ipswich Town's academy. His career has also included spells with Huddersfield Town, Northampton Town and Colchester United. Simpson has not played competitively since rupturing his Achilles tendon during the 2024/25 season.

Swindon Town’s loan signing of Wigan Athletic winger Joseph Hungbo is presented as an excellent fit for Ian Holloway’s preferred system. Hungbo offers pace, width, crossing ability and a willingness to press, while his capacity to cut inside and produce spectacular moments adds further attacking variety. His performances and defensive work-rate statistics from League One support the view that he can create chances for Aaron Drinan and Paul Glatzel, although he must still convert his considerable potential into consistent production. Dropping into League Two and joining a system suited to his strengths could provide the breakthrough Swindon have been seeking.

Swindon Town will field a senior side against Forest Green Rovers after injuries to Mitch Clark and James Debayo proved less serious than feared. Former full-back Mandela Egbo headlines a new group of trialists, alongside Ayman Benarous, Josh Martin and Zaid Betteka, while another unnamed player is also expected. Kaelean Majekodunmi is close to becoming a permanent signing, whereas Jonny Williams has moved elsewhere. The trialists are being assessed as Swindon seek additional quality and depth.

Swindon Town will send a Swindon Town XI rather than their first team to Saturday’s friendly against Forest Green Rovers after suffering a series of pre-season injuries. Two further injuries to Mitch Clark and Gavin Kilkenny during the Leyton Orient match prompted the decision, which the club says is intended to protect its remaining first-team players before the Carabao Cup opener against Cardiff City on August 8. James Ball, Fletcher Holman and Joel McGregor are among those facing extended absences, while Joe Snowdon and Ollie Clarke could return to training soon.

Swindon Town manager Ian Holloway hopes to complete several signings before the weekend, with injuries to Mitch Clark and Gavin Kilkenny further reducing an already depleted squad. Holloway says the club needs four or five additions to provide depth and believes recent matches have shown that the team is not yet strong enough. Recruitment will depend on the club’s available budget, with new players ideally arriving before the final friendly against Forest Green Rovers and ahead of the season.

Swindon Town’s pre-season has been encouraging despite a series of injuries, including setbacks during the match against Bristol City and an injury to in-form Fletcher Holman. The team showed fluid attacking play and tactical cohesion while competing well against higher-league opponents Bristol City and Crystal Palace. Although manager Ian Holloway acknowledges remaining rough edges, the system appears to be taking hold. The writer argues that careful recruitment rather than panic could give Swindon a strong foundation and believes the club can challenge if injuries ease and suitable players arrive.

Swindon Town initially played well against Championship side Bristol City, controlling possession and taking the lead through Aaron Drinan. Paul Glatzel appeared to double the advantage shortly after halftime, but the goal was ruled offside. Bristol City equalised through substitute Lorent Tolaj, who later scored again from a free kick to complete a brace. With Swindon making extensive substitutions and losing several players to injury, Jed Wallace added a third for Bristol City, securing a 3-1 victory.

Swindon Town has unveiled its 2026/27 away shirt, featuring blue-and-black stripes inspired by Inter Milan designs previously worn by the club. Sponsored by Swindon-based Roberts and Prowse, the shirt will debut against Leyton Orient on July 28 and go on sale on July 25, priced at £55 for adults and £40 for children. The design revives styles used during the 2013/14 and late-1990s seasons.

Jody Morris says he was given false promises before taking charge of Swindon Town and believes he was not afforded enough time or transfer backing to improve a young squad he felt lacked physicality and experience. He argues performances were strong despite late-game weaknesses and insists a full transfer window would have enabled a promotion push. Morris claims other managers shared concerns about internal issues at the club, expressing respect for his players but disappointment at the circumstances surrounding his early departure.

Swindon Town are preparing for potential player exits as Ian Holloway begins discussions with squad members following a heavy defeat to Crystal Palace. The club is open to loaning or selling Jake Tabor and has been willing all summer to move on James Ball and Tom Nichols, whose profiles no longer fit Holloway’s plans. Ollie Palmer may also depart due to squad depth and stylistic concerns. Interest from other clubs could further influence decisions, particularly regarding Aaron Drinan and Fletcher Holman, as transfer activity elsewhere may trigger broader market movement. The club aims to free budget space to support incoming signings across several positions.

Swindon Town manager Ian Holloway indicated that further signings will depend on player sales as the club looks to streamline its squad and reallocate its £3 million budget. Holloway aims to recruit a left-back, centre-back and winger but needs to move on players who do not fit his high-intensity tactical approach. Following a heavy defeat to Crystal Palace, he suggested several experienced, higher‑paid players may depart, including Tom Nichols, James Ball and Ollie Palmer. Swindon has made four signings so far, and additional recruitment hinges on generating funds through outgoing transfers.

Swindon Town’s pre-season trip to Crystal Palace is expected to provide a significantly tougher test than their earlier friendlies, offering a chance to evaluate progress on Ian Holloway’s new high-press defensive strategy. Trialists, including several Australian players, are set to feature as the club assesses potential signings. The match will also gauge the sharpness of Swindon’s attack, which has created chances but struggled with finishing ahead of the competitive season.

Swindon Town plans to accelerate transfer activity after returning from their pre-season trip to Alicante, targeting a winger, left-back and physical defender. Ian Holloway aims to keep the squad at around 25 players while adding three more signings and potentially loaning out Jake Tabor. The club continues to assess options after missing out on wide target Aaron Nemane, while also seeking greater tactical flexibility with defensive additions.

Swindon Town prepare for a pre-season match against Chippenham Town with a focus on developing attacking patterns, assessing trialists and refining tactical structure after an intensive training trip to Alicante. Trialists such as Goran Babic and Favour Onukwuli aim to prove their value before tougher upcoming fixtures, while Ian Holloway may test different roles or formations as he evaluates squad options for the season ahead.

Swindon Town’s squad is undergoing intense triple training sessions in extreme heat during a pre-season trip to Alicante, with Ian Holloway emphasizing the physical and mental benefits of pushing players to their limits. He highlights improved fitness, resilience, and team bonding as key goals, aiming to build camaraderie and a strong foundation for the upcoming season.

Swindon Town prepare for their pre-season match against Costa City with attention on developing player partnerships, finding additional goal scorers beyond Aaron Drinan, and determining whether Ian Holloway has settled on a formation. The match offers an opportunity to build cohesion, evaluate attacking options, and assess tactical direction ahead of the new season.

Aaron Drinan scored a hat-trick as Swindon Town defeated Swindon Supermarine 4-0 in a pre-season friendly that was delayed an hour due to an injury to goalkeeper Luke Purnell. Swindon controlled the first half, with Drinan completing his treble before a full-team change at halftime. Ollie Palmer added a fourth in a less intense second half, while several trialists created additional chances as both sides continued early-season preparations.

Premier League referee Simon Hooper will oversee Swindon Town’s pre-season friendly against Swindon Supermarine, marking the second consecutive year he has officiated the fixture. The match kicks off July 4 at the Imagine Cruising Stadium as both clubs begin their summer preparations. Swindon manager Ian Holloway plans to field two separate teams and include several trialists, emphasising community engagement and squad fitness ahead of a training trip to Spain. Bobby Wilkinson will use the game to integrate new signings, continuing the momentum from last season.

Ian Holloway says top scorer Aaron Drinan remains committed to Swindon Town despite interest from higher‑league clubs following his 28‑goal season. Previous bids from Salford City were rejected and no new offers have arrived. Holloway acknowledges that major clubs could change the situation but insists Drinan wants to stay. Other young players have also drawn attention, yet Swindon hopes to retain them unless significant offers emerge.

Swindon Town confirmed a full pre-season schedule culminating in a behind-closed-doors match against Crystal Palace, which will be streamed on Palace TV+. Fixtures span opponents from non-league to Premier League level, including warm-weather training in Alicante and matches against Costa City, Chippenham Town, Bristol City, Leyton Orient and Forest Green Rovers. The schedule is designed to support Ian Holloway’s high-pressing tactical plans ahead of the upcoming Carabao Cup match against Cardiff City.

Swindon Town are close to signing midfielder Matty Virtue from Fleetwood Town after beating competition from several League Two clubs. Virtue, formerly of Liverpool and Blackpool, is expected to join as Swindon begin pre-season, offering an attack‑minded option to complement starters Gavin Kilkenny and Ollie Clarke. His pressing ability, goal threat, and tendency to drift wide fit Ian Holloway’s preferred style. Despite a dip in form last season linked to transfer uncertainty, he remains valued for his work rate and attacking contributions, and is seen as a replacement for Darren Oldaker.