SWINDON Town have announced defender Pierce Sweeney will join the club on July 1 when his Exeter City contract expires.

The former Grecian has agreed a two-year contract with Town and becomes manager John McGreal's second signing of the window after goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott arrived at the County Ground earlier on Friday.

The 26-year-old began his career with Dublin side Belvedere before signing for Bray Wanderers six years later in 2012.

In July of that year the Irishman signed for Reading where he spent four seasons. Although he did not make an appearance for the first-team, Sweeney was key in the Royals' U21’s Premier League Cup triumph during the inaugural 2013/14 season.

At the beginning of the 2016/17 season, Pierce signed for Exeter and went on to amass over 200 appearances in all competitions during his five year stay at St. James’ Park.

According to Swindon Town, Sweeney can play on either the right side of a three or as a right-back and has the ability to deliver dangerous crosses inside the six-yard area.

Speaking to Swindon Town's website, the defender said: "It's happened pretty quickly to be honest. The manager gave me a call last week and I liked what he said, I liked what he said about me, and I like what he wants to do with this football club.

"I've played a good few times here at the stadium and the fans have been very, very good. When I played here with Exeter two seasons ago it was a full house, the atmosphere was fantastic."

McGreal also had his say after the deal was announced. He said: “I’m absolutely delighted to get a player of Pierce’s calibre. He’s a full-back that’s going to give you a lot going forward.

“He’s got one of the best, if not the best, deliveries into the box, so our forwards shouldn’t have too much to complain about.

“He’s going to be very important in both boxes. You see the goals we conceded last season, we need to go back to basics and try and get those clean sheets in place first and foremost.”