Swindon Town manager Ian Holloway has confirmed the club will resist selling players before the September 1 transfer deadline, citing ongoing injury concerns and squad instability. The League One side have dealt with 14 different injuries across the summer, with three players facing long-term issues, prompting a strategy to retain current squad members. Holloway admitted the injury crisis complicates transfer decisions, stating: 'We'll soon see. Come January, we have got to be doing better than we did last year.'
Injury-Driven Squad Stability
The manager emphasized that players must meet his expectations or risk being released, despite the current squad's fragility. 'I'm only looking for them to do what I want, and if they don't do it, they'll be gone,' Holloway said. The club has already lost Darren Oldaker to a permanent exit and loaned Filozofe Mabete to Forest Green Rovers, but no other departures have occurred. Holloway's pre-season warnings about 'nobody being safe' in his squad appear to have been validated by the injury crisis, with nine players currently sidelined.
Potential Exit Threats
Despite the retention stance, Swindon face interest in several players. Aaron Drinan, Joe Snowdon, Paul Glatzel, and Fletcher Holman have drawn attention from League One and Championship clubs. However, Glatzel's new contract removed a £100,000 release clause, while injuries to Snowdon and Holman ensure their retention. Drinan remains a target for Plymouth Argyle and Leyton Orient, with Wycombe Wanderers and Burton Albion also showing interest. Swindon have demanded high six-figure fees for Drinan, signaling their intent to hold onto key assets. The club's focus remains on stabilizing the squad ahead of the January transfer window, with Holloway warning players must deliver or face departure.
