Swindon Town have moved to bolster their defence by bringing in Matt Preston on a free transfer.

The County Ground side were left with only two recognised centre-backs - skipper Olly Lancashire and Chris Robertson - after Dion Conroy limped out of the Stevenage game on September 16 with a cruciate ligament knee injury.

The former Chelsea youngster has been ruled out for nine months forcing Town manager David Flitcroft to search for a suitable replacement.

With the transfer window closed, Flitcroft was only able to sign players out of contract.

Twenty-two-year-old Preston joins arrives at the County Ground on a contract until the end of the season.

The Birmingham-born defender left Walsall over the summer after failing to agree terms on a two-year contract.

Preston made 41 appearances for the Saddlers during four-year period in the West Midlands.

During his time at the Bescot Stadium, Preston was sent out on loan to IBV in Iceland, however, after featuring in pre-season tournament he was returned to his parent club.

Speaking to the club’s website, Preston said: "It took a while to find the right club for me but I can tell already from just one training session that this is a good group of lads.

"I'm raring to get going now.

"I've played against Swindon a few times now and I know a few of the lads that were here. I know the Gaffer here likes to develop players and that was a big factor in attracting me to come here.

"My number one aim is to play and when I do play to play as many games as I can and stay in the team."