OPINION: What players should Swindon Town prioritise with contracts?

Louis Reed

Age: 24

Louis Reed has quickly become a key figure in this Swindon Town squad after joining on a free transfer in the summer following a successful 20/21 as he helped guide Peterborough United to League One promotion. Arguably Swindon’s best player of the season so far, Reed has been instrumental in helping make Swindon promotion contenders with the Robins still unbeaten away from home. 

His ability to maintain possession, play accurate long-passes, midfield tackling, and direct free-kicks makes him a valuable asset to Swindon, and one player many other clubs will be eyeing up.

His experience of gaining promotion with Peterborough will be invaluable to Swindon should they stay on track for promotion, and having already proved himself in League One, Reed is a player that would easily slot into Ben Garner’s future plans. 

Additionally, at 24, Reed would be a shrewd long-term investment by Swindon, with him seemingly capable of playing in higher divisions, and a big profit could be earned in years to come if Swindon ever look to sell.

Harry McKirdy

Age: 24

No one knew what to expect when Swindon Town announced the signing of Harry McKirdy following a trial period over the summer. Nearly four months later and McKirdy has established himself as a fan favourite amongst the Swindon faithful with his on-pitch talent matching the levels of his off-field humour. 

A difficult career to date has seen McKirdy flutter between being a breakout prospect or an underachieving talent, however the 24-year-old now appears to have made a home for himself at Swindon Town.

McKirdy has been involved in more goals than any other player for the Robins this season, scoring 4 goals and assisting 3, with the forward often being deployed in a free-roaming playmaker role or as a second striker. His energy is unparalleled, whilst his determination to create something out of nothing and talented finishing in front of goal makes him a player on many clubs radars.

Swindon have given McKirdy licence to express himself at Swindon Town both on and off the pitch, now the club must look to tie him down to a longer contract before others attempt to do so.

JoJo Wollacott

Age: 25

Impressing on a brief emergency loan spell during Town’s relegation season, Joseph Wollacott has endured tremendous success between the sticks for Swindon Town in League 2. 

The 25-year old has cemented his place as Ben Garner’s Number 1, impressing Swindon and opposition fans alike with his dominant performances and call-up to the Ghana National team for their World Cup Qualifiers.

The former Bristol City goalkeeper found himself arriving at Swindon in the summer aiming to get his career back on track after a catalogue of length injuries hampered Wollacott in the past. Now he has done so Swindon needs to get a new contract on the table before other clubs attempt to acquire his services with JoJo a likely target for many clubs in upper divisions as well.

Jonny Williams

Age: 28

The arrival of Jonny Williams at the County Ground stunned everyone covering Swindon Town. A club that had barely survived a volatile takeover now found themselves with an established International and former Premier League player walking through the door. Williams represents incredible value with the 28-year-old arriving on a free transfer and a wealth of experience behind him.

International call-ups to Wales have broken up Williams’ season but you get the feeling he is now starting to hit a sustained period of form, becoming a regular starter for Ben Garner and adding creative quality to Swindon’s attack. 

Williams is currently in the prime playing years of his career and should Swindon earn promotion, they have a player who should easily match the demands of League One. 

Akin Odimayo

Age: 21

The defender' Swindon Town career looked to be over in the summer as he underwent trial periods with other clubs, however, after making a U-turn on his future, Akin Odimayo is continuing to impress. 
 
Turning professional just 3 years ago, he has highlighted himself as a central defender with heaps of potential after being brought to the club by Richie Wellens at the start of last season and continuing his development as part of a 5-man defence under Head Coach Ben Garner this season.

Odimayo has all the attributes you could want in a defender. He’s tall, quick, strong and great with the ball at his feet. Now Swindon must invest in his future if he is to stay at the Robins past this season or risk losing the 21-year-old and a potential future transfer fee should the club ever wish to sell.