SWINDON Town manager John Sheridan revealed goalkeeper Joe Fryer will not have his contract extended at the County Ground after failing to suitably impress.

Fryer was brought in by former manager Richie Wellens in early September on a short-term contract after having not played for two years due to a broken leg.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper started both of Sheridan’s first two league games, as well as EFL Trophy matches against Exeter City and Forest Green Rovers.

But after conceding 10 goals in four games, and failing to catch the eye of goalkeeping coach Steve Mildenhall in training, Fryer was deemed surplus to requirements at the County Ground.

Explaining the decision, Sheridan said: “We won’t be extending Joe’s contract. I was there on the day he got that injury – he was probably playing the best football of his young career.

“He’s been playing catch up ever since he came in, and Joe understands that.

“Hopefully, Joe will go on and be successful wherever he goes. Whether that’s a bit lower, I just think he needs games to catch up to where he was before he got injured.

“He’s a great, great lad. He trains properly, and he still wants to be a good goalkeeper, so I hope he’s successful wherever he goes.”

With Mark Travers brought in on loan as Town’s new number one, first-year pro, Archie Matthews will become the new back-up stopper, revealed Sheridan.

The Town boss admitted he is a big of Matthews, who is yet to make a senior appearance for Swindon, but has backed the 19-year-old to have a big future.

Sheridan said: “Archie will be there as number two now.

“I’ve been impressed with Archie. He’s not really been involved around the first team but when he’s training, I like the way he goes about things.

“He’s got a really good attitude, Steve Mildenhall is working well with him, and Archie has got an opportunity now to be involved in and around the first team.”

Meanwhile, Toby Holland has also not seen his short-term contract at Swindon Town extended.

The first-year pro played one game during his time at the County Ground - a 1-0 defeat to Bristol Rovers in the EFL Trophy during the 2019-20 campaign.