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.

Who are the trialists and what have they shown?

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.

Why are these players important for Swindon Town’s plans?

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.

How does this fit into the broader transfer strategy?

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.

What are the next steps for the trialists?

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, underscoring the need for additional firepower to support his output as the club aims to close the 12‑point gap to the league leaders.