Swindon Town have invited four trialists to Beversbrook this week, hoping to turn at least one into a permanent signing as the club sits 9th in League Two with 75 points after 46 games and a recent form of LLDLW.
The quartet - Favour Onukwuli, Marley Rose, Goran Babic and Cerny Ando - arrived during the first week of pre‑season. Onukwuli impressed in fitness drills, a factor Ian Holloway values highly after the successful trial that earned Jake Tabor a contract last summer. Babic, a former Southampton midfielder, shone in the friendly against Swindon Supermarine, earning a long post‑match chat with Holloway. Ando, fresh from a season with Southall in the eighth tier, displayed strong communication and physicality, while Rose was tried at right‑back despite his midfield background.
Holloway has signalled a desire to add depth, especially on the wings, after a disappointing run that left the team 12 points behind leaders Bromley. The club’s goal tally sits at 70 for the season, but conceding 59 highlights a need for fresh options both defensively and in attack. Converting a trialist like Onukwuli could bolster the squad without a transfer fee, freeing resources for other targets.
Last summer saw Jake Tabor sign after a trial, while Joe Snowdon and Filozofe Mabete were secured despite initial plans for short‑term assessments. Holloway appears to be replicating that model, using the trial period as a low‑risk audition. He has already hinted at more trialists arriving after the Alicante trip, though none have travelled to Spain yet. The manager’s comment that “everybody will have a chance to prove to me that I don’t need to bring anybody else in” suggests a competitive environment where only the most convincing will earn a deal.
Babic is likely to be invited back to Beversbrook next week after his strong showing. Ando’s physical presence may earn him a closer look, but Holloway still has younger centre‑backs in the squad, so a contract isn’t guaranteed. Rose’s experiment at right‑back was less convincing, and with the team’s recent form - a 0‑1‑4 run, most recent loss 1‑2 to Chesterfield on 2026‑05‑02 - the manager may prioritise players who can immediately impact results. The final decision will come after the upcoming friendly against Swindon Supermarine, where each trialist will have a chance to influence the outcome.
Swindon Town’s top scorer this season, A. Drinan, has netted 22 goals in 40 appearances.
