Swindon Town Secure Signing of Experienced Midfielder James Ball
Swindon Town Football Club has completed the signing of midfielder James Ball, a 29-year-old player with over 300 career appearances, as reported by the Gazette and Herald. This is the club’s third summer signing, following the arrivals of Tom Nichols and Darren Oldaker, and comes as part of manager Ian Holloway’s efforts to bolster the squad that finished 12th in the league last season.
According to the Gazette and Herald, Ball joins Swindon Town having previously played for Bolton Wanderers, Stockport County, and Wimbledon. His experience and versatility in midfield, having played in almost every role, will be a valuable asset to the team. At six foot two inches tall, he will also bring a physical presence to the squad.
In an interview with the Gazette and Herald, Ball expressed his excitement about joining Swindon Town, stating: “I’m buzzing to join a club with the ambition and fanbase of Swindon Town. I’m here to help the team push up the table and fight for promotion.” He also praised manager Ian Holloway, saying: “He sold Swindon to me. He told me about his ambitions for the club this season and the project for the future, and I could see the improvement when he took over last season and his influence was massive.”
The Gazette and Herald reports that Ball was an unused substitute during Wimbledon ‘s playoff final win over Walsall last month, but made 15 appearances in their League Two campaign. His defensive work rate is notable, with the Gazette and Herald citing statistics that show he won 73.3 per cent of his tackles last season, ranking in the 81st percentile.
Manager Ian Holloway has emphasised the importance of signing players who are committed to the club, as reported by the Gazette and Herald. He stated: “Today, everything is about how much they want to be here. Then you have got people for the right reasons, not the wrong reasons.” Holloway’s focus on creating a positive team dynamic is clear, and the signing of James Ball is seen as a key part of this process.
The signing of James Ball is a significant coup for Swindon Town, and the Gazette and Herald reports that he will be a valuable addition to the squad. As the team looks to push for promotion this season, the experience and versatility of Ball will be crucial. With his physical presence, defensive work rate, and positional flexibility, Ball has the potential to make a significant impact at Swindon Town.
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