First Pieces Of Paolo's Jigsaw

New signings at Swindon are like busses; you wait a long time for one and then two appear at once. Jon-Paul McGovern and Simon Cox arrived in this fashion just four years ago. And now it seems the Robins are up to their old tricks as they announced two new signings for the 2011/12 League Two season - both having gone under the radar among Town fans. 

New Town signing Jonathan Smith



Having seen four players leave a squad already depleted by Town's 2010/11 loan signings return to their respective parent clubs, supporters had already began to question the club's intent for the coming season, growing frustrated as last week's promised signings didn't materialise.

But, just as Town fans were thinking their wait for new signings was going to enter a third week, local press this Morning reported on a double signing which kicks off Paolo Di Canio's tenure.

Arriving in Town are Barnet's player of the year Joe Devera and combative York City midfielder Jonathan Smith. Both have signed two year deals and both are said to be eager to progress their careers with Swindon.

Midfielder Smith made 32 appearances for the Minstermen last season scoring five goals and established himself as a fans’ favourite. Having previously spent three years with Forest Green Rovers, Smith has signed for his second West Country side for a reported fee of £30,000.

Versatile defender Devera, who can play at right back or centre half, has won Barnet's player of the year award twice, making 200 appearances since coming through the ranks with the Bees in 2005. The 24 year old first scooped the award in 2008 before winning again last campaign, recieving positive reviews in the second half of the season as Barnet successfully fought off the threat of relegation.

Neither of these signings are the experience or names both Di Canio and interim Chairman Jeremy Wray earlier promised. But Swindon are in League Two now. And fans should respect that with League Two football logically comes League Two signings.