Mathieu Baudry is ready to prove himself as one of the best defenders in the league following his move from MK Dons to Swindon.
The 31-year-old Frenchman joined the Robins on a one-year deal and is excited at the prospect of a full pre-season following an injury-hampered 2018/19 campaign.
Matthieu is an experienced centre half who has plied his trade in both France and England. The 31-year-old Frenchman started his career at Le Havre before making the move to Troyes where he earned his first promotion – his latest promotion came last season with the Dons.
Mathieu outlined his happiness at getting the deal done:
“I’m happy to get it done – I think, for a while, I’d made my choice and it was just that I was away but I was looking forward to getting it done. Now I’m looking forward to meeting everyone and getting started really.
“I spoke to the Gaffer about his way of playing – I’ve played here a few times, it’s a nice atmosphere and stadium – a big club, and they were challenging in League One when I played against them.
“I did my research on him about the type of football he wants to play, the way he sees things suits me really well. I felt really comfortable talking to him – he’d done his research and spoken to people about me and I’d done the same and they told me I’d like the way he wants to work.
“When I met him last week, that confirmed it – he hasn’t stopped playing a long time, so it’s pretty much like talking to a player but he’s the manager. You have to feel comfortable in your working environment and then it reflects on the pitch.”
Baudry, who has been loved by fans in England for his style of football and passion in the shirt, wants to recreate that at the County Ground.
“It’s always nice having that relationship with the fans – at the end of the day, they will like you if you perform, give everything. That’s what I try to do.
“I think I’ve been unlucky with injuries but the positive stuff is when I play, I think the fans respond well to my style of play. It’s something that I keep doing and hopefully the fans will enjoy it.”
On his injuries of last season, the centre-half sees it as a perfect opportunity to prove his ability.
“Football is a funny game – people write you off pretty quickly as you get injured. People say: you’re 31, you’re done. I’m telling you I’m not done. That’s what drives me on – I have a lot of ambition still and I know, when I’m fit, what I can do.
“I want to prove I’m one of the best defenders in this league, get back into League One then prove I’m one of the best defenders in League One. That drives me on everyday.”
