Former Swindon Town forward Harry McKirdy has opened up about his future after the summer transfer window ended without him securing a new club. The 29-year-old, who was let go by Crawley Town in May, told the Swindon Advertiser this week that he is not desperate to return to the game and is content to wait for the right opportunity. His comments come as Swindon Town themselves sit 9th in League Two with 7 points from their opening four matches, two points behind leaders Bristol Rovers.
McKirdy was a star for the Robins after joining on a successful trial in the summer of 2021. Playing under manager Ben Garner, he scored 23 goals across all competitions, including a memorable strike against Manchester City in the FA Cup and a brace in the League Two playoff semi-final. His performances earned him a place in the League Two Team of the Season, though his side ultimately lost that playoff tie to Port Vale. His form prompted a move to Scottish side Hibernian at the end of the 2022 summer window, but a discovered heart problem sidelined him for months and made the transfer unsuccessful.
What happened after McKirdy left Hibernian?
Swindon Town brought McKirdy back on a loan deal in January 2024, where he scored a late equaliser against Gillingham. After leaving Hibernian, he spent six months with Bromley before joining Crawley Town under manager Scott Lindsey last summer. He contributed to 25 per cent of Crawley's goals during the 2023-24 season but was released in May with what he described as a 37-second phone call. Over this past summer, he took part in the PFA's pre-season camp and was even asked by Swindon Town to train with them, but he did not accept that opportunity.
Why is McKirdy without a club now?
The former League Two Team of the Season member says his approach to football and his social media activity may have hindered his chances. "It probably hinders it. I’ve had my fun. I have never seen football as a job." McKirdy said. He expressed a philosophical view on his current situation, indicating he feels no pressure to rush back into the game simply for financial reasons. This stance marks a significant shift from the driven player who once lit up the County Ground.
What are McKirdy's plans for the future?
McKirdy's immediate plan involves patience. "If the right club doesn’t come up, then I’ll be more than happy with life." he stated. He is content not to play this season if the perfect fit does not materialise, prioritising personal satisfaction over a paycheck. This attitude reflects a player who has experienced both the highs of individual acclaim and the challenging lows of serious health issues and abrupt club departures.
While McKirdy considers his next move, Swindon Town are focusing on their own campaign. The team has scored 5 goals and conceded 5 in the league so far, resulting in a neutral goal difference. Fans can track the club's progress in the standings and view the full squad list as the season develops.
