Western Daily Press (Saturday)
Swindon sign quintet as McKirdy joins Hibs
SWINDON Town head into this afternoon’s Sky Bet League Two clash at Gillingham with five deadline day signings in their ranks – but with star striker Harry McKirdy having moved to Hibernian.
Hibs’ former Bristol City boss Lee Johnson has signed McKirdy for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal, subject to FIFA approval. The move was only announced at 1.20am on Friday morning.
The 25-year-old scored 23 goals in 44 appearances for Swindon last season, and has two in his last two matches, although he is currently serving a three-match suspension for aggressive behaviour and improper conduct following his red card against Salford last month.
“We’re delighted that he chose to come here after interest from several different clubs,” Johnson said.
“Everyone can see how well he’s been performing over the last 12 months or so, and he’s a player that’s coming into the prime years of his career. He’s someone that shows his pitch personality and has a real desire to keep on improving.”
The Wiltshire Robins also allowed goalkeeper Lewis Ward to move to fourth-tier rivals Sutton, again for an undisclosed fee.
Ward was second choice to Joe Wollacott for most of last season, but played in both legs of the Robins’ play-off semi-final in May and saved a Gabriel Jesus penalty in an FA Cup tie with Manchester City.
Five players joined Swindon on deadline day, with Plymouth front man Luke Jephcott the most eyecatching, while wing man Morgan Roberts and goalkeeper Conor Brann joined right-back Marcel Lavinier and forward Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, who signed earlier on Thursday.
Jephcott makes the move from Argyle on an initial loan, with the option to make it a permanent deal.
The 22-year-old has played 103 times for Plymouth, scoring 33 times since joining them in 2018.
“I’ve seen how Swindon play as well as the goals they score and the chances they create, and I think there is an opportunity for me to do really well here,” he said.
Roberts, 21, joins on a permanent deal from National League North side Banbury, where he has scored ten goals in 27 appearances.
Brann, 19, was a free agent after being released by Galway United in the League of Ireland First Division, having initially joined their academy.
Lavinier signed on a free transfer after his contract with Tottenham ended, while Hepburn-Murphy, 23, has been without a club since leaving Cypriot side Pafos at the end of last season.
Swindon are down in 17th place in the table, but have only lost one League Two game so far, while the Gills are three points and four places worse off.