Swindon Town have completed the signing of former Oxford United forward Billy Bodin on a one-year deal, bringing the 33-year-old back to his hometown club.
The experienced attacker becomes Swindon’s latest summer addition, having played a key role in Oxford’s promotion campaign just last season.
Return to Roots for Swindon-Born Forward
Bodin’s career has now come full circle. Having started out at Swindon Town more than a decade ago, he returns with a wealth of experience and a strong track record across the EFL. After early spells with Torquay United, Northampton Town, Bristol Rovers and Preston North End, he joined Oxford United in 2021.
During three seasons at the Kassam Stadium, Bodin made 107 appearances and scored 25 goals, including nine in 41 matches during Oxford’s 2023/24 promotion-winning campaign. His technical quality and eye for goal made him a regular under several managers, though he departed for Burton Albion last summer. After struggling for minutes in Staffordshire, he was loaned to Reading in January 2025.
Now, the veteran forward is set to feature prominently at the County Ground under Ian Holloway, whose Swindon side are looking to improve on last season’s mid-table finish in League Two.
“It feels amazing to come back to where it all began,” Bodin told the club website. “Swindon is a club that means a lot to me, and I’m really excited to get started and play in front of the fans again.”
Ambition Grows at the County Ground
Bodin is Swindon’s most high-profile signing of the summer so far, and his arrival signals clear intent from the club to compete at the top end of League Two. With promotion rivals strengthening across the board, Swindon are hoping Bodin’s experience and attacking flair can add creativity and composure to an evolving squad.
For Oxford fans, Bodin’s move will sting slightly given the fierce rivalry between the two clubs. But after a successful spell at the Kassam and a final promotion under his belt, the move offers him a sentimental return and the chance to help rebuild at Swindon.
Writer’s View
This is a smart signing for Swindon Town. Billy Bodin remains a class act at League Two level, and while injuries have occasionally hampered his career, his technical ability and experience could prove invaluable over a long season.
More than just a feel-good homecoming, this is a signing with genuine substance. Bodin offers versatility in attack, can operate centrally or wide, and still has the vision and finishing touch to change games. If Holloway can manage his fitness and deploy him wisely, this could be one of the more astute pickups of the summer window.
