MIDFIELDER Ricky Aguiar has signed a new three-year contract with Swindon Town.

Aguiar joined Town in August 2021 from newly-promoted National League South side Worthing and went on to make 15 appearances while scoring two goals.

He also enjoyed a highly fruitful loan spell with Chippenham Town, netting seven goals in 13 appearances to help the Bluebirds reach the National League South play-offs for the first time in the club's history.

As a result of his bright start in the professional ranks, Town's hierarchy have moved to tie the exciting talent down to a long-term deal.

Speaking to Town’s media team after signing his new deal, Aguiar said: “This is a really proud moment for me. And with the club's ambitions moving forward, it was a no-brainer to extend my stay here.

“I love the way we set out to play football from the back and dominate other teams, and I really want to play a key role and contribute to this.

“I have no doubt with the team we currently have, we are capable of challenging for promotion, and I want to score goals and create them for my team-mates.”

Having handed the captain's armband to Aguiar in a couple of pre-season friendlies, it appears as though head coach Scott Lindsey sees the 21-year-old as a key part of his squad this season.

Discussing why he was keen to settle Aguiar's future ahead of the new campaign, Lindsey said: “Ricky is a key player for us and has come a long way during his time at the club.

"He works incredibly hard and has already shown he can step up and perform. He’s a player with good energy and technical ability and has a bright future, and we’re delighted to honour him with a new deal.”

Meanwhile, Town's technical director, Sandro Di Michele, said: “We’re really pleased Ricky has chosen to spend the next three years playing for Swindon Town.

“He’s done really well in his first full season, and we want to keep developing him. He’s made a commitment to us and we’ve made one to him, and we are looking forward to seeing how far he can go with us.”