Swindon Town have lost another defender this summer after Ryan Delaney joined Oldham Athletic on a permanent deal.
What happened to Ryan Delaney?
Former Swindon Town defender Ryan Delaney has moved to Oldham Athletic following his summer exit from the Nigel Eady County Ground. His departure comes just days after Will Wright joined Barnet, marking the second senior defender released by Swindon to join a club expected to battle them for promotion.
Delaney spent two seasons at Swindon, though his second campaign was largely spent away from the first team. He arrived from Newport County with an injury and struggled to break into Ian Holloway’s side early on. A late-season revival under Holloway saw him become a key physical presence in defence, though fitness issues dogged his final months. Holloway eventually told him he was surplus to requirements, leading to a January loan return to Newport.
Why Oldham Athletic signed Delaney
Oldham have made eight additions this window, with Delaney their latest signing. Micky Mellon, the Latics’ manager, called him a player with “plenty of experience and know-how” who brings “leadership qualities” to the group.
Delaney has played over 150 EFL games and understands the demands of League Two. Mellon added: “He’s a strong, honest defender who enjoys the physical side of the game.” Delaney has trained with the squad for over a week and impressed in pre-season.
How Swindon Town are reacting
Swindon have lost 13 senior players this summer, with two defenders already moving to clubs that could face Town in the promotion race. The Robins sit ninth in League Two with 75 points from 46 games, 12 behind Bromley, and have conceded 59 goals this season.
Their recent form reads LLDLW, including a 1-2 loss to Chesterfield on 2 May 2026. The club is rebuilding under Holloway, who is targeting the “right ingredients” after last year’s shortcomings.
