Ex-Colchester United boss John McGreal aiming to strengthen

The former Colchester United head coach is embarking on his new role, after taking charge at the County Ground.

McGreal confirmed to the media yesterday that Swindon have a 'competitive budget' from which he can strengthen.

And with plenty of players currently available after being released by their respective clubs, he is unlikely to be short of options.

The Gazette looks at ten free agents the ex-U's boss may consider, as he builds his squad.

TOM LAPSLIE

THE combative midfielder established himself as a key performer under McGreal, during his time at Colchester.

Tom Lapslie made 133 league and cup appearances for the U's during McGreal's four-year reign.

He is available on a free transfer, after being released by the U's earlier this month.

THEO ROBINSON

THEO Robinson relished playing under McGreal at Colchester, making 33 appearances and scoring 12 times for them while on loan from Southend United in the 2019-20 season.

The 32-year-old striker, who had a loan spell at Swindon in the 2018-19 campaign, is available after beng transfer-listed by League Two side Port Vale.

WES MCDONALD

COLCHESTER were rumoured to be interested in Wes McDonald during McGreal's reign.

The 24-year-old winger has just been released by Walsall and played 46 times for the Saddlers this season, scoring three times.

CALLUM HARRIOTT

A PLAYER that McGreal will know well, following his time under him at Colchester.

Callum Harriott is currently searching for a new club following his exit from the U's.

And the newly-crowned Colchester Players' Player of the Year may be just the ticket for McGreal, at Swindon.

FREDDIE SEARS

THE former West Ham United striker is rumoured to be interesting Colchester United, this summer.

But having spent time at his old club Ipswich Town prior to his appointment at Swindon, McGreal will have no doubt seen the forward at close hand.

He could see Sears as someone who can fire in the goals needed to get Swindon promoted, next season.

COURTNEY SENIOR

ANOTHER player to be released by Colchester, the winger is someone McGreal rated highly during his time at the JobServe Community Stadium.

McGreal gave Courtney Senior his senior debut in the 2017-18 season and the winger went on to make more than 100 league and cup appearances under the new Swindon boss.

KURTIS GUTHRIE

THE striker had a good relationship with McGreal during his time at the JobServe Community Stadium.

McGreal signed Kurtis Guthrie from Forest Green Rovers and initially played him in a midfield role, before moving him up front.

In total, Guthrie played nearly 50 times for Colchester under McGreal and is currently available on a free, following his release by Port Vale.

JOHN-JOE O'TOOLE

THE midfielder did not play under McGreal at Colchester but may be the kind of experienced player he is looking for at Swindon.

John-Joe O'Toole is currently available following his release by League One outfit Burton Albion.

The 32-year-old would bring plenty of experience, having clocked up more than 450 career appearances.

FRANK NOUBLE

MCGREAL was a big fan of the experienced forward during his time at Colchester.

Nouble is currently available on a free transfer after being released by League One outfit Plymouth Argyle and could well fit the bill for Swindon.

AARON COLLINS

AARON Collins' future at Forest Green Rovers is uncertain, following their play-off defeat at the hands of his former club Newport County.

Collins, who played 11 times for Colchester during a loan spell from Wolves in the 2018-19 season, under McGreal, is said to be in contract talks with the Gloucestershire club.

Since then, he has flourished at Morecambe and Forest Green in League Two and McGreal may see the striker as a viable option, for Swindon.