Swindon Town released their retained list for the 2022-23 season today, confirming that Welsh international Jonny Williams will leave the League Two side after not being offered a new contract.
Swindon had a disappointing season in League Two finishing tenth, but will begin a new era next season with Michael Flynn at the helm. As we approach the 23/24 season, clubs are busy shaping their squads for the new campaigns, and Swindon announced today who would be leaving the club as well as those retained.
Who Has Been Released?
Former Wales under-21 international Cian Harries will leave The Robins after an injury-hit first season with the club, signing on a free transfer following his release from Joey Barton’s Bristol Rovers after their League Two promotion campaign in 2022.
The biggest news is that Jonny Williams will also be leaving Swindon after two seasons at The County Ground. The midfielder, who has thirty-three caps for Wales, has been a crucial figure for Town and was a shining light for them last season, despite their struggles. The skilful 29-year-old could be tough to replace and will be a big miss for Flynn next season.
Well-travelled French defender, Mathieu Baudry will hang up his boots on a seventeen-year playing career that saw him make 286 appearances, with his final years being at Swindon, where he played 69 times.
Mo Dabre, Harry Parsons, George Cowmeadow, Oscar Massey, and Morgan Roberts also all depart after failing to make an impact on the first team picture during their time at the club.
Who Is In Discussions?
The Robins have offered a new contract to defender Tom Brewitt, with his current deal set to expire on the 30th June.
Clauses have been triggered in the contracts of George McEachran and Rushian Hepburn-Murthy to extend their current deals by another season. McEachran, who was part of the England under-17 side that finished runners-up in the 2017 UEFA U17 Championship, was brought in by previous manager Jody Morris but will have a chance to impress under new manager Flynn next season.
The Robins also announced the contract extension of Charlie Austin earlier in the day, after the striker impressed on his return to the club, scoring nine times in 20 games.
Our View
Michael Flynn clearly has a job to do at Swindon Town and the loss of such a talented player like Williams makes that even harder, but with the right backing in the summer, a manager of his ability could turn their fortunes around.
