Swindon Town is shaking up its roster in a major squad overhaul, with 10 players departing the club as manager Ian Holloway looks to build a stronger, more resilient team for the upcoming season. Among the notable names heading out the door are wingers Billy Bodin and Junior Hoilett, along with centre-back Ryan Delaney.
Bodin's departure marks the end of a brief but impactful return to the County Ground. After rejoining Swindon last summer—13 years after his first stint—the 31-year-old contributed four goals in 27 appearances. His experience and attacking flair will be missed, but the club is clearly prioritizing a fresh start.
Hoilett, a seasoned international with Canada, joined in February with hopes of securing a spot in his nation's World Cup squad. The 33-year-old scored once in 14 games for the Robins, but his time in Wiltshire was brief. Meanwhile, Delaney made 29 appearances over two seasons, though he spent the latter half of the recent campaign on loan at Newport County.
The full list of departures also includes Will Wright, Jake Batty, Redman Evans, Jaxon Brown, Dani Gonzalez-Birchall, Antony McCormick, and George Alston. It's a clear signal that Holloway is not afraid to make tough decisions after a season that fell short of expectations.
"We all know the objective was promotion, and because we haven't achieved that, we must look at the season honestly and accept that it's been a disappointment," Holloway said. "We need to build on our resilience, and I'll be working hard on the character of my group, making them physically and mentally stronger so we can deal better with the challenges a season brings."
Not everyone is leaving, though. Defender Billy Kirkman remains in contract discussions, while Danny Butterworth and Harrison Minturn—both sidelined for most of the past season with long-term injuries—have been invited back to train this summer despite being out of contract. It's a sign that Holloway values potential and is willing to give players a second chance to prove their fitness and worth.
On the brighter side, Swindon has already secured contract extensions for goalkeeper Lewis Ward, centre-back Ryan Tafazolli, striker Harry Smith, and midfielder Ollie Clarke. These players will form the core of a squad that Holloway hopes to reshape into promotion contenders. For fans, this summer promises to be a pivotal period of rebuilding—and for those who love the game, it's a reminder that even in football's lower leagues, every season brings new stories and fresh opportunities.