Over the years, Swindon Town FC have had its fair share of well-known professional players pass through their ranks, a number of which would go on to become big Premier League names, and in some cases, stalwarts! While some stayed long enough to leave a lasting impression at the County Ground, others made only brief appearances or were brought to the club in early career loan spells that are easily overlooked and forgotten about. As a result of this, we have looked back at a number of players you may have forgotten who wore the Swindon Town shirt, many of whom have since gone on to establish themselves as top players.
Jacob Murphy
Before he became a Premier League regular with Newcastle United, Jacob Murphy was no stranger to loan spells. In fact, his first ever loan was at Swindon Town back in 2014, being sent from parent club Norwich City in order to gain first team experience after coming through their academy. The winger would only go on to make just 6 appearances for the Robins, failing to score in any of his outings.
However, even from this very early stage in his career, his direct approach and raw pace offered a glimpse into what he would go on to be known for later in his career. Although his time at Swindon was brief, it was part of a wider series of loan moves that helped shape the winger into the explosive player seen today. After signing for £12 million, few would predict he would then go on to become a key squad player at resurgent Newcastle, even online slots casino platforms and other sports betting sites. At the age of 29, Murphy even managed to pick up 20 goal contributions in the Premier League for the Magpies in the 2024/25 season, picking up the 2nd most assists in the league that year with 12!
Tom Heaton
It may come as a surprise to some, but the veteran England goalkeeper Tom Heaton once wore the Swindon shirt in between the sticks. All the way back in 2005, Heaton joined the Robins on loan from Manchester United, his first stint away from the club after coming through the academy ranks. Playing in 19 matches across all competitions, he managed to impress with his shot-stopping and command of the area even at such a young age.
Later in his career, he would go on to enjoy top-flight success, particularly with Burnley and a later spell at Aston Villa, even earning 3 caps for the England national team in the process. From his first loan spell in League 1, it is fair to say Heaton went on to become a stalwart after his now forgotten time at Swindon Town.
Jake O’Brien
Republic of Ireland international Jake O’Brien has been turning heads recently in the Premier League thanks to his consistency in the Everton backline. Although the 6-foot-6 centre back originally got his big break with Lyon in Ligue 1, not long ago, he was learning the ropes in the English lower leagues, getting his first taste of professional English football in his loan stint at Swindon Town.
After being picked up by Crystal Palace from Cork back in 2021, the Irish defender would not make any appearance for the Eagles before being sent on loan to the Robins in 2022. Playing a total of 21 matches, the athletic centre back showed glimpses of his aerial dominance that have since made him one of Ireland's brightest defensive prospects, something which he showcased especially at Lyon, scoring 5 times in the 2023/24 season.
John Swift
Known for being one of the best creative sparks to have featured in the Championship in recent years, John Swift was once on loan at Swindon Town from Chelsea back in 2015. At the age of just 19, Swift made 19 appearances and scored 2 goals, picking up 3 assists in the process in just over 1,000 minutes. This highlighted his eye for goal and threat in the final third, something which teams such as Reading and West Brom would certainly reap later in his career.
Making over 300 appearances for the two Championship sides combined, Swift’s smooth playing style, vision, and touch of class have seen him named in a number of Championship Teams of the Season. Though only spending a few months at Swindon, certain fans remember his stint at the Robins due to him being an England U21 player at the time.
Daniel Ballard
The last of the players you have likely forgotten ever took to the pitch for Swindon Town is Northern Ireland international Daniel Ballard. Now impressing in the Championship and helping guide Sunderland to the Premier League in the 2024/25 playoffs, the young defender had a brief loan spell at Swindon in 2019 from Arsenal. Unfortunately, a serious injury limited him to just 3 appearances; however, even in that short time, Ballard managed to score for the Robins. Since then, he has emerged as a promising centre half at both club and international level, but those at the County Ground saw early signs of his quality in a time that a majority of fans have likely forgotten.
