Swindon Town have been active in the transfer market, securing a new forward and rewarding a returning attacker with a fresh deal. The club, currently ninth in League Two with seven points from four games, faces a Colchester United side that has also strengthened its squad ahead of this weekend's fixture.
Who is new signing Antwoine Hackford?
The club officially announced the signing of Antwoine Hackford from AFC Wimbledon for an undisclosed fee. According to the Swindon Town Football Club website, the 22-year-old forward has signed a two-year contract that will keep him at the Nigel Eady County Ground until the summer of 2028.
Hackford began his career at Sheffield United, making his Premier League debut as a 16-year-old. He most recently helped Port Vale gain promotion to League One during a loan spell in the 2024/25 season before joining Wimbledon. The forward said his conversations with manager Ian Holloway made the move an easy decision. You can see the full squad, including new arrivals, on our squad page.
Why did Danny Butterworth get a new contract?
After a long recovery from a serious hamstring injury, Danny Butterworth has earned a new Swindon Town contract. The Swindon Advertiser reported that the 26-year-old attacker, who has been out for 11 months following two surgeries, finally signed on transfer deadline day after impressing in training.
Manager Ian Holloway told the Advertiser that Butterworth's determination to get fit and his popularity within the squad convinced him to offer the deal. "I believe he's fought and he's fought for it," Holloway said. "He is the Swindon Messi if he's fit." The contract runs until February 1, giving Butterworth a chance to prove he deserves a longer stay, though he is still about a month away from full match fitness.
What challenge does Colchester United present?
This weekend's opponents, Colchester United, are set to have five new players available for selection. The Swindon Advertiser reports that the U's bolstered their squad on deadline day with striker Kylian Kouassi from Blackpool and midfielder Jay Williams.
Full-back Jake Leake is also back in training from a shoulder injury. Colchester currently have an identical record to Swindon, with seven points from their opening four League Two matches. The home side has dominated this fixture in recent years, with Town unbeaten in their last five home games against Colchester but without a win at their ground since 2016. Check the latest standings for the full League Two table.
How is former defender Akin Odimayo faring?
Former Swindon Town defender Akin Odimayo is aiming to help his new club, Crawley Town, leave a mark on League Two this season. Speaking to SussexWorld, the 26-year-old said the squad wants to bounce back from a turbulent campaign last year where they survived by a single point.
"We want to bounce back from last season, leave an imprint on this league this season," Odimayo said. He has been filling in at right-back for the suspended Kellan Gordon. Crawley currently sit 17th with four points and face Accrington Stanley next. Swindon's own defensive options are being tested, with several players doubtful for the weekend, as detailed on our injuries page.
What is Swindon Town's current form?
Swindon's season has begun with a balanced record of two wins, one draw, and one loss. They have scored five goals and conceded five, giving them a zero goal difference. Their recent form reads WLWD, following a 3-1 victory over Port Vale on Tuesday.
That win kept them within two points of league leaders Bristol Rovers. The team will look to build on that result when they host Colchester United at the Nigel Eady County Ground this Saturday. Antwoine Hackford's two-year deal is a key part of their plans to climb the table.
