Swindon Town have confirmed nine new signings for the 2022/23 season and with just over two weeks until the new season, how is the squad shaping up?
Scott Lindsey has experienced the usual summer turmoil ahead of his first season in charge of Swindon, as four starters from the play-off loss have not returned along with the loanees and Jojo Wollacott.
With Sandro Di Michele taking over recruitment duties from Ben Chorley, there has been a clear blue print for new players as young talents on multi-year deals has been the priority.
There has been a clamour amongst fans for greater experience to be added to the squad and further assist the core of the squad which has remained from last season.
Pre-season has suggested Town will revert back to the 352 formation which was favoured during the first half of 2021/22 before being jettisoned following a dip in form and a mid-season rebuild to replace the recalled loan players.
In goal, Swindon seem set for a shoot-out between Lewis Ward, who returns following a strong debut campaign spent largely as Wollacott’s deputy, and Middlesborough keeper Sol Brynn, who arrives from The Riverside with a strong reputation following a loan spell with Queen of the South.
In the back three a change of heart sees Mathieu Baudry return alongside Harrison Minturn who will be hoping to take another step up this season, and they are joined by Tom Clayton, Cian Harries, and Sheffield Wednesday loanee Ciaran Brennan.
Depending on the club’s plans for Minturn, Swindon could do with some more depth in defence as Baudry is unlikely to play all 46 matches and also to assist with the development of the very youthful looking options alongside the Frenchman.
At wing-back the former Walsall pair of Reece Devine and Tyrese Shade were the first-choice options against Woking and beyond them are Ellis Iandolo and George Cowmeadow, so an addition to provide extra depth here is likely, most likely on the right.
In midfield Jack Payne remains without a club having not signed the “unbelievably strong offer” which Di Michele said Swindon have offered their former vice-captain, but aside from him Swindon retain their options in the engine room, in Louis Reed, Jonny Williams, Ben Gladwin, and Ricky Aguiar.
Ronan Darcy was confirmed earlier today and Iandolo could well be deployed in midfield, having enjoyed success there last season.
Up front last season’s top scorer Harry McKirdy will once again lead the line at the County Ground and could currently be partnered by Harry Parsons, Jacob Wakeling, or Oscar Massey.
As yet there does not seem to be a like for like replacement for the role which Tyreece Simpson and Josh Davison fulfilled last year and with three loan spots left to be filled, it would not be a surprise for one to be used on a forward with a greater physical presence.
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