Latest news with #SwindonTown
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Bodin 'always wanted' Swindon return and explains 'questionable' club choices
Billy Bodin said that he has always wanted to return to Swindon Town after re-joining the club he left 13 years ago. The son of Swindon legend Paul Bodin came through the academy ranks at Town and made 16 senior appearances before being sold by Paolo Di Canio to Torquay United at age 20. Since then, he has gone on to make almost 400 appearances for a number of clubs, becoming a regular in the Championship and League One. Among those various clubs have been stints at rivals Oxford United and Bristol Rovers, but despite having played for those clubs, his love for his boyhood club never waned. Speaking to club media, he said: '[How important is it to rekindle the bond with the supporters?] Massively. 'Obviously, a few of the clubs on my CV are questionable, and I know that a lot of the fans will give me a bit of stick. Even my own brother-in-law gave me a bit of stick for a few years. 'It is part of football, and during my career, there have been certain opportunities that I couldn't really give up. 'But Swindon was always a place that I wanted to come back to and play. 'It is amazing to be back, and when I did leave, this was always somewhere that I wanted to come back to at a certain stage of my career. Thankfully, after speaking to the manager, it seems like the right fit at the right time.' Read more: Swindon not planning new Smith contract talks after rejecting bids Holloway's Swindon Mark 3: How is he looking to change things this season? Town's playmaker steps forward and ruthlessness - Lessons from Chippenham During those 13 years away from Wiltshire, Bodin picked up three promotions, including regrettable ones with Rovers and Oxford. Now, he said that he intends to help Swindon get out of League Two, as he did back in the 2011/12 campaign. He said: 'I think I have had four promotions in that time, along with a lot of good seasons, but I have also had some bad ones with injuries and not playing as much under certain managers. 'I have gained a lot of experience in all different aspects, and that has made me the player that I am now. 'Hopefully, we can achieve something good this season, and there is only one aim in mind, and that is promotion. 'I have a lot of experience and I can help the young lads, but also bring creativity, and I would like to think some goals. 'As long as I can help the team in any way I can, if that is going towards promotion, then it is fine by me.'
BBC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Swindon re-sign forward Bodin from Burton
Swindon Town have re-signed winger Billy Bodin on a one-year deal, 13 years after he left the club, following the termination of his contract at Burton 33-year-old came through the Robins' academy from the age of 12 and made 16 appearances, scoring three goals, between 2010 and has played more than 400 games in English football and had been at Burton since the summer of 2024."It feels amazing to come back to where it all began. Swindon is a club that means a lot to me, and I'm really excited to get started and play in front of the fans again," he said. "This club has a huge place in my heart, and that was a big factor in returning, but the manager was a big part of rejoining too."The way he wanted me to play, my role in the team, is something that excited me and my reason why I wanted to join."Bodin is the son of former Swindon left-back and caretaker manager Paul Bodin and won one cap for Wales in spent the second half of last season on loan at Reading, scoring twice in 16 games. He has also played for Oxford United, Bristol Rovers, Torquay United, Preston, Crewe and Northampton during his career. He is Swindon's ninth signing of the summer.
BBC News
4 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Sobowale to join St Mirren
Swindon Town defender Tunmise Sobowale, 26, is on the verge of completing a move to St Mirren. (Swindon Advertiser), external
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Swindon 'considering' further appointments following staff departures
Swindon Town are considering further appointments within their staff following a year of multiple departures from the club. The 12 months have seen many key behind-the-scenes figures leave Swindon, with Jamie Russell and Danny Rose moving to Salford City, Alex Pike to Brentford, Jamie White to Eastleigh, Baillie Coupland to Burton Albion, and Sean Wood to Reading. Some of these people have been replaced: Mark Moss came in as Academy Manager, Kirk McGinn was promoted to Under-18s manager, and Alisha Henry has arrived as Club Secretary. Whilst there has been an internal restructuring, including Ian Holloway taking on many of the responsibilities that Russell had undertaken as Head of Football, it has left many fans concerned that there are holes remaining in the club. During the meeting of the Advisory Board, a monthly meeting between the club hierarchy and stakeholder groups, the topic was broached during the fan question-and-answer portion. As part of this, a fan asked whether there was a plan to recruit more administrative staff to replace those who have departed, as their roles were now being performed by fewer people. Read more: Swindon 'no intention' of letting Smith leave as League Two rival bid rejected Town target two more players this summer to complete squad Munroe creates intriguing battle in Swindon's 'most important area' The minutes said: 'The club acknowledges the recent changes within its football administration structure over the past nine months. While it is true that several key personnel have departed, the club has acted swiftly to ensure continuity and stability by appointing highly capable replacements in key roles. 'We have recently welcomed a very experienced Club Secretary, Alisha Henry, who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the position. She will work closely with senior figures within the football department, ensuring smooth coordination across all areas of football operations. "Additionally, the appointment of a new Academy Manager—who is a like-for-like replacement—ensures that the development pathway for our young players remains a core focus and is in safe hands. 'While the backroom team has experienced change, it is by no means diminished. "Under the leadership of Ian Holloway, who continues to play an integral role in shaping the club's footballing direction, we are constantly reviewing our staffing structure to ensure it remains fit for purpose. "As part of this ongoing review, the club is actively considering whether further recruitment in football administration is necessary to strengthen support across all departments. 'We remain fully committed to ensuring the club is properly resourced, both on and off the pitch, to meet the demands of a professional football environment.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Swindon Town goalkeeper to open coffee shop with a twist
A Swindon Town player is looking to open up their own coffee shop which will include a fun area for children. Town goalkeeper, Connor Ripley will be opening a coffee shop with his friend in Preston, Lancashire. The starting goalie posted the announcement on his social media that the shop, Mini Dunes, will be in the location of his former club. Be the first to know with the Swindon Advertiser! 📱 💡 Our flash sale brings the latest local happenings directly to you. Save over 50% on an annual subscription now. 🔗 #SpecialOffer — Swindon Advertiser (@swindonadver) July 4, 2025 This isn't something a normally post about but if people could like and share it on here and instagram I would really appreciate it! Me and Sam are opening up our coffee shop MINI DUNES soon and would love anyone and everyone to come and enjoy it!! 💚 — Connor Ripley (@ripley_connor) June 12, 2025 He said: "This isn't something I normally post about, but if people could like and share it on here and Instagram I would really appreciate it! "Me and Sam are opening up our coffee shop MINI DUNES soon and would love anyone and everyone to come and enjoy it!!" Swindon Town's social account responded saying that they "can't wait to see the finished result". Recommended reading Swindon Town announce extension to partnership Award-winning food producer 'can't wait' for Old Town move Swindon narrowly defeated at Reading in a behind-closed-doors friendly Blog Preston reports that it will be a new "child-friendly" coffee shop in Lancaster Road, with work ongoing to transform the unit next to the Lancaster Gate pub. The unit had previously been occupied by TSB bank, and last year, board game café chain The Dice Box announced it would open there. However, that never came to fruition and work is now ongoing to create Mini Dunes. It is billed as being 'designed so parents can relax and kids can play'. In a recent interview with BBC Sport Lancashire, Ripley said: "Swindon have been incredible to me and they have put me up and got me an apartment there.
