Swindon Town have completed a trio of squad moves, signing forward Antwoine Hackford, bringing in defender Dan Butler on loan, and securing striker Aaron Drinan on a long-term contract. The BBC reported the business this week as manager Ian Holloway continues to reshape his squad, which currently sits 14th in League Two with four points from three games.
Hackford, 22, joins from AFC Wimbledon on a two-year deal, becoming Holloway's tenth summer signing. He scored six goals in his only full season at Plough Lane after joining Wimbledon last summer. The forward started his career at Sheffield United and had loan spells at Alfreton Town, Burton Albion and Port Vale, helping the latter gain promotion to League One. At the County Ground, he reunites with former teammates Mitch Clark and Connor Ripley.
Who is Antwoine Hackford?
Antwoine Hackford is a 22-year-old forward who arrives with League One promotion experience from his time at Port Vale. His permanent move to AFC Wimbledon last summer followed his development at Sheffield United. Manager Ian Holloway outlined his path. "He started his career at Sheffield United, enjoying loan spells at Alfreton Town, Burton Albion and Port Vale, before his permanent switch to AFC Wimbledon last summer," Holloway said. Hackford's arrival adds competition up front for a side that has scored just two goals while conceding four in its opening three league matches.
What does Dan Butler bring?
Defensive reinforcement arrives in the form of 32-year-old Dan Butler, who joins on a season-long loan from Stevenage. The former Portsmouth, Peterborough United, Newport and Torquay defender brings extensive experience to a back line that shipped three goals in the last outing, a 3-0 defeat at Oldham on August 29th. Butler's addition is timely, with Swindon's recent form showing one win and four losses in their last five games. The team's standings position reflects this inconsistency early in the campaign.
Why is Aaron Drinan's new deal important?
Securing Aaron Drinan's future is a major piece of business. The 28-year-old striker has extended his stay with the club until the summer of 2030. Since joining from Leyton Orient in February 2024, Drinan has been a reliable source of goals, netting 30 times in 99 league appearances. His new long-term commitment provides stability and a proven goal threat as Swindon look to improve on their current -2 goal difference. Fans can view the updated squad list online.
These moves come during an international break, giving new arrivals time to settle before the next challenge. Swindon Town are three points behind early leaders Barnet and face a tough test next, travelling to face third-placed York on September 12th. The full schedule is available on the club's fixtures page. In a separate short-term deal, the club has also re-signed midfielder Butterworth.
