Done deal Swindon Town sign Irish midfielder from Bournemouth

Swindon Town have confirmed the signing of midfielder Gavin Kilkenny from AFC Bournemouth on a two-year contract.

The 24-year-old Irishman, who has made over 40 appearances in the Championship and League One, joins Swindon having accumulated significant experience in the English Football League.

Kilkenny has spent recent seasons on loan at a number of different clubs. In the 2021–2022 season, he contributed to Bournemouth’s promotion to the Premier League and went on to play in the Championship with Stoke City.

He played on loan at League One’s Charlton Athletic for the 2022–2023 season before joining Fleetwood Town, where he remained until the end of the campaign.

Kilkenny reflected on his move to Swindon and shared his excitement for the next phase of his professional life.

I am quite happy to be here. After working on it for a few weeks, I’m happy to have finished it,” he remarked.

“Given my age, I felt that I was in the perfect stage of my career right now. I needed a new place to live, and this one just felt right. I think it’s time for me to make this house my permanent home.”

Jamie Russell, Head of Football at Swindon, emphasized Kilkenny’s contributions to the team.

“We are delighted to secure the signing of Gavin Kilkenny as we feel he brings the right kind of attributes to what we are looking to add to our midfield going forward,” Russell added.

“He has had a lot of EFL experience at higher levels with both his former club AFC Bournemouth and also during loan spells with Stoke City, Charlton and Fleetwood Town, so we are delighted he’s seen us as the right next step for his career and we look forward to working with him and the skills and attributes he brings to the team.”

Kilkenny has played at five different young levels for the Republic of Ireland, ranging from the Under-16s to the Under-21s.