Swindon Town boss Michael Flynn has admitted that his side’s lack of transfer activity this summer has been due to a number of factors.
Town have added just one new player to their ranks since the arrival of Flynn back in May – 21-year-old goalkeeper Murphy Mahoney on loan from QPR.
Swindon’s turnover of players this summer hasn’t been as turbulent compared to previous seasons, having retained 17 first-team players from the 2022/23 campaign.
However, head coach Flynn is fully aware that incomings will be needed if his side wishes to fulfill their promotion aspirations in what appears to be a highly competitive fourth tier.
With frustrations beginning to build amongst Town supporters, the former Walsall and Newport County boss admitted there has been a number of factors in his side’s slow start to business in the transfer window.
“It’s all sorts, really”, said Flynn, speaking after their 2-0 win against Swindon Supermarine on the first day of pre-season.
“Agents fees have gone up; wages have gone up.
“Geography plays its part too. Some would rather stay up north; some would rather stay more south than here.
“It’s certainly not been for a lack of trying, but like I’ve said before, whoever we bring in has to be right for us.”
Town made a winning start to their pre-season schedule on Wednesday night, defeating Swindon Supermarine 2-0 at the Webbswood Stadium.
Flynn was able to field an almost entirely changed starting line-up for the two halves, which included a handful of trialists and youngsters.
With wholesale changes available to the 42-year-old so early on in pre-season, the Swindon boss said that he will be taking his time to find the right additions for his squad.
“I’ve got to make the budget that I have work, so I’m not going to rush into anything this early on.
“I’m not going to pay stupid money which is being bandied about, because we’ve got to put the best interest of the club first and we’re doing a good job of that.
“If you have a look at the big spenders such as Wrexham and Stockport, they haven’t really gone over the top yet in terms of bringing in players.
“So, either they’re quite happy with their current squads, or the right player hasn’t come up just yet. For us at the minute, we haven’t been able to get the right one over the line.”
Swindon are in pre-season action again this Saturday, as they travel to non-league side Melksham Town for a 2 pm kick-off.
