Swindon Town have completed the signing of experienced defender Ryan Delaney following his departure from Newport County.

The 27-year-old played 30 times for the Exiles last season, although his season was ended early with a knee injury suffered in February. He was offered a contract to stay in South Wales but has opted to move to Town.

The six-foot-four defender is most comfortable playing in the middle of the defence but is left-footed and has also been utilised at left-back previously.

Having come through the ranks at Wexford in his native Republic of Ireland, Delaney has gone on to play at Burton Albion, Rochdale, AFC Wimbledon, Bolton Wanderers, Morecambe, and Scunthorpe United before joining Newport last summer.

Speaking after signing for Town, Delaney said: “The move around and I spoke to the gaffer [Mark Kennedy] and he expressed what his plans were for the club and it seems like a positive atmosphere around the place.

“He told me about his plans for this place and I wanted to be a part of that and part of the success of this club.

“It is a massive club, that is plain to see for people on the outside, it has got great history and the fan base.

“That is what you want as a player, you want to play in front of a big crowd, have big expectations, and have that big pressure – it is going to have that here and I am looking forward to all it has to offer.

“Mark spoke to me about having a positive outlook and having that change at the club, it wants to push forward and there will be that pressure, but when things are going well, this is the kind of club you want to be at.

"I like to do the dirty work and make blocks and tackles, I like to wear my heart on my sleeve and give 100 per cent and I also like to think that I am a leader and vocal on the pitch.

Having been born in Wexford, Delaney would earn five caps for the Republic of Ireland’s under-21 side, featuring against Azerbaijan, Germany, Israel, and Iceland during those matches.

Having played in both the League of Ireland and EFL, Delaney comes with a wealth of experience as he has made over 300 career appearances and was captain at Newport last season and a core part of their playoff challenge.