TRANSFER ANALYSIS: TOUMANI DIAGOURAGA

Another day means another signing for Swindon Town FC after the side announced that Toumani Diagouraga would be returning to the County Ground for his second spell at the club. TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his analysis on the latest signing.

Signing on a free transfer from Fleetwood Town after new manager Joey Barton highlighted the midfielder as surplus to requirements, his arrival represents a great coup for the club. 

Last donning the red of Swindon in 2006 whilst on loan from Watford, the French born midfielder joins Phil Brown’s squad with an additional 392 English Football League appearances under his belt. 

During that time the Parisian has made himself a popular figure in English football having played for over eleven clubs during a fruitful career, including six seasons of action at Brentford helping take the club to the Championship.

He now returns to SN1 at a crucial time in Swindon’s history as STFC aim to earn promotion back to League One. His experience will be vital not only on the pitch but also in the changing rooms as the 31-year-old establishes himself as one of the squads more experienced players.

A central midfielder capable of playing simple football to the highest standard is what makes him such a key asset to Phil Brown. Simple football may not always be entertaining, but look at great teams over the years and you notice how the core of the team is usually a no-frills player that keeps the engine room running.

Diagouraga is this player for Swindon. He prowls the midfield area constantly looking for openings and keeping his defence safe, whilst his ability to make passes capable of unlocking a rigid defence make him a big signing for Town.

Look to social media and you will see the delight the Frenchman’s arrival brings to Swindon fans, but as his career starts to enter its latter stages, keeping fit and not being overused by the coaching staff will be crucial to a successful season.

Diagouraga could be the difference for Swindon Town this season, but let’s just hope recent signings represent quality over quantity.