SWINDON TOWN are just six days away from kicking off their 2023/24 League Two campaign.

Town have just 16 first-team players in their squad after the departures of Ronan Darcy and Tomi Adeloye earlier this week.

Adver Sport gives an assessment of Michael Flynn’s side, taking a look at what additions could be needed between now and the end of the transfer window.

GOALKEEPERS

With QPR loanee Murphy Mahoney starting regularly between the sticks in pre-season, it seems like the 21-year-old is set to be Town’s number one this campaign. 

He has shown positive signs in net over the past month, but this is his first loan at a professional level, so it’s difficult to determine how Mahoney will fare in League Two this season. 

Town have Conor Brann as a backup option, but you can’t imagine the Irishman wanting to settle as a number two, and he may be seeking a move elsewhere in search of more game time.

READ MORE: Swindon Town boss reveals three signings close to being done

DEFENDERS

After Tom Clayton was injured away to Bristol City in pre-season last week, it now means Town only have three fit natural central defenders heading into the new season and that’s if you’re including Frazer Blake-Tracy who is argubly more comfortable in a left-back position. 

Tom Brewitt and Harrison Minturn, despite the latter having limited experience in the first team, are both decent options at this level, but if one of them is to get injured, Town boss Flynn would be faced with serious selection troubles. 

Marcel Lavinier has featured centrally at times during pre-season who could provide aid, but it seems necessary that Town bring in at least one more centre-back, if not more. 

Remeao Hutton at right-back/right wing-back remains a great choice in this position, the attacking threat posed by his crossing ability makes him worthy of a starting spot alone. 

Concerns are raised regarding the left-back/left wing-back position, though. The only member of the squad who can naturally play there, Blake-Tracy, will most likely be required in central defence. Reece Devine could be a suitable choice, but he unfortunately is once again side-lined with a long-term injury.

Tyrese Shade has filled the position on some occasions throughout his career, but ideally, you’d want the 23-year-old in a more attacking role. It means another defensive signing is probably needed.

MIDFIELDERS

Excluding the youth players who have been featuring in pre-season, Town currently have five midfielders in their ranks. 

George McEachran, Jake Cain and Flynn’s latest addition, Dan Kemp, offer the side a healthy spark of creativity and there doesn’t feel an urgent need to bring in any more players with a similar style. 

READ MORE: Swindon Town midfielder Ronan Darcy signs for Crawley Town

Town are rather stretched when it comes to defensive options within the midfield. Saidou Khan could operate this sort of role, but you really get the most out of the Gambian when he is further up the pitch. 

The recent addition of Liam Kinsella fits the bill, but Town could probably do with one more recruit - perhaps a taller figure to bring some height in the middle of the park.

FORWARDS

The departure of Adeloye on loan to Partick Thistle certainly caught a few supporters off guard when it was announced on Thursday.

It’s clear that Town most definitely have talent within their attack, Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, Jacob Wakeling and Charlie Austin all have very different but useful qualities that Flynn will try to make the most of.

Depth up front appears to be a problem for the League Two outfit, though. Town have been playing the majority of their pre-season friendlies in a 3-5-2 formation, which surely means that another attacking signing is needed.

READ MORE: Former Swindon Town loanee signs for League Two promotion rivals

Austin will give you goals, but last season showed that the relentless Saturday/Tuesday fixture schedule could require him coming off the bench at points to maintain fitness. 

There would be concern if at least one more forward isn’t brought in before September 1st. 

There is no doubt that Flynn and the club are working effortlessly to strengthen their squad before Colchester away on August 5th, but time will tell if they are able to get their desired targets over the line.