Transfer Analysis: Hallam Hope joins Swindon Town on permanent deal

Carlisle’s Hallam Hope has joined Swindon Town on a permanent deal having signed for the club for an undisclosed fee. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his transfer analysis following the forward's arrival at SN1.

Having seen his two highest goal scorers depart the club during the current transfer window, with Eoin Doyle being recalled from his loan deal by parent club Bradford City and Jerry Yates suffering the same fate today after League One Rotherham United recalled the striker, Hallam Hope arrives at league leaders Swindon Town at a time when the future of Swindon’s strike force remains shrouded in transfer shenanigans. 

The signing of Hope, 25, represents a new challenge for Richie Wellens and his coaching staff as they look to fill a massive 35-goal gap left in the squad, but what can fans expect from the new signing?

Born in Manchester, Hope began his footballing career at current Premier League Champions Manchester City before switching to join the Everton FC academy in 2005 and eventually signing a full-time scholarship with the Toffees in 2010. 

During his time in Evertonian blue, Hope failed to make a senior appearance for the Premier League club as he was shipped out on loan to Northampton, Sheffield Wednesday, and Bury, before eventually joining Bury following a successful second loan spell at the club. 

Hope endured two successful years at Bury scoring 6 goals in 54 appearances but was eventually loaned out to Carlisle United, signing for the League Two club on a permanent deal in 2017, and scoring 24 goals in 124 appearances before signing for STFC this afternoon.

An established attacking player, Hope fits into Wellens’ philosophy of having adaptable players, with his ability to play both on the wings and through the middle as a number nine, a huge benefit for Wellens.

A difficult 19/20 season has seen Hope struggle in front of goal, boasting a return of just two goals, however Swindon Town boss Richie Wellens told Total Sport Swindon earlier today that he expects great things from his new signing. 

“Last season he scored 15 league goals from the wide-left which is a great return,” said Wellens.

“The season before that he scored 14 goals from wide-left. 

“He’s had a bit of a stop-start season at Carlisle and the last five or six weeks he has played up front whereas we think his best position is coming in from the left. 

“He’s got goals in him and scored a hell of a lot of goals in training,” he added. 

“He’s an aerial threat, has great movement, and I’m really pleased with the signing. 

“He has played a lot of games and hopefully he can hit a bit of form,” said Wellens. 

Swindon Town fans could be given their first glimpse of Hope when Swindon host Port Vale at the County Ground on Saturday.

Picture Credit: Swindon Town FC