Charlie Austin has opened up about the instant chemistry that powered his prolific strike partnership with Billy Paynter during his first spell at Swindon Town. The 37-year-old, who scored 60 goals in 133 appearances for the club, shared his memories in an interview reported by the Swindon Advertiser this week.
Austin's journey with the Robins began with a bang, scoring just three minutes into his first start after joining from Poole Town. His most famous contribution came in the 2010 League One Play-Off semi-final, where he netted in the first leg against Charlton Athletic to help Swindon reach the Wembley final, which they ultimately lost to Millwall. The current Swindon Town side sits 9th in League Two with 7 points from four games, having scored and conceded five goals so far this season.
How did the Austin-Paynter partnership begin?
The foundation for one of Swindon's most effective modern strike duos was laid in a reserve team fixture. Austin explained that the connection was immediate. "Sometimes the best partnerships just click," he told the Adver. "Billy Paynter and I played together in a reserve team game before my debut, beat Reading 4-1 at the Madejski Stadium, and both scored twice." That match in October 2009 proved to be a perfect preview of what was to come, with the pair developing an almost telepathic understanding on the pitch.
Their combined threat became a cornerstone of the team's attack. The partnership culminated in a remarkable season where both Austin and Paynter finished with over twenty goals each, a rare feat that underlined their complementary styles. Austin's pace and finishing prowess paired with Paynter's physical presence and hold-up play made them a nightmare for League One defences. You can review the current attacking options in the Swindon Town squad.
What defined Austin's first Swindon spell?
Austin's initial period at the County Ground was marked by rapid personal success and collective near-misses. After helping the club to the Play-Off final in 2010, he started the following season in blistering form, scoring 12 goals in just 20 starts. That form attracted significant attention and led to his transfer to Burnley in January 2011. Reflecting on that era, Austin said, "My first spell at Swindon Town stands out."
His return to the club in 2023 added another chapter, with Austin netting 23 goals across two seasons before retiring. His legacy is cemented by a strike rate that few Swindon players have matched in recent decades. The club's current campaign sees them two points behind early leaders Bristol Rovers, with a goal difference of zero after four matches.
Where does the current Swindon team stand?
While reminiscing about past glories, the present-day Swindon Town squad is navigating the early stages of the League Two season. Their record of two wins, one draw, and one loss has them positioned in the top half of the standings. The team's form reads WLWD, showing both resilience and inconsistency as they seek to build momentum.
The challenge for any modern Swindon forward pairing will be to emulate the output of Austin and Paynter. With five goals scored in the league so far, finding a consistent source of goals remains a key objective. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on the club's fixtures page. Austin's final professional goal for Swindon Town came in a recent season, bringing his total club tally to 83 goals from all spells.
