Swindon Town’s summer recruitment drive continues to kick into full swing with the addition of Olly Lancashire.
The towering centre-back has agreed to terms with the Reds on a two-year contract, joining on a free transfer from Shrewsbury Town subject to EFL and FA approval.
Lancashire becomes the club’s fifth signing of the summer and the second of today following the arrivals of Chris Robertson, James Dunne, Paul Mullin and Ben Purkiss, and his switch to SN1 represents a huge boost for Dave Flitcroft.
Born in Basingstoke, the 28-year-old was once on the books of Crystal Palace before joining Southampton in 2006, where he made thirteen appearances.
Following three separate loan spells with Grimsby Town, Lancashire joined Walsall on a permanent deal in 2010, helping the club stave off relegation in his first season.
A short stint with Aldershot Town followed before the defender was snapped up by Rochdale in 2013, and it wasn’t long before he was handed the captain’s armband at Spotland.
Lancashire became a key figure at the heart of the defence for Dale and he led the club to promotion from League Two in 2013/14.
The experienced campaigner spent last season with Shrewsbury but he will now open a fresh chapter of his career with the Reds, one he can’t wait to get started.
“I’m very happy to be here,” he told swindontownfc.co.uk exclusively.
“I knew about the interest a couple of weeks ago, it took a while to sort out my situation at Shrewsbury but I’m delighted to be here now and I’m looking forward to getting started this week.
“The gaffer himself and the plans to get promoted at the first attempt were both big factors for me in coming here.
“The gaffer has worked at this level before and he’s been successful and it is very exciting to be part of the whole environment that he wants to build here.
“You want to win silverware as a footballer and the last time I was in League Two I won promotion with Rochdale, so I’ll be looking to do the same here.”
Lancashire now can’t wait to join up with his new team-mates and get down to the grind with pre-season underway.
“I had a week of training with Shrewsbury last week and I’ve got a good bit of training in the legs, so hopefully I’ll be ready to go,” he added.
“I can’t wait to meet all the lads and get cracking.”
