PAUL Caddis, Paul Benson, Darren Ward and Luke Rooney were all back training with Swindon Town as pre-season started yesterday, but several players were absent from Liddington.

The quartet, who have all been strongly linked with moves away from the County Ground this summer, took part in a two-and-a-half hour session under the watchful eye of Kevin MacDonald - who later admitted several may still leave the Robins in the weeks to come.

Injured pair Troy Archibald-Henville and Jay McEveley were not in attendance, however, as they continue their rehabilitation from knee injuries at St George’s Park near Burton, while Lee Cox remains some way off a return from his shoulder problem.

Adam Rooney arrived at the ground in the morning but, with the dispute regarding the validity of his contract at Swindon ongoing, was seen leaving the County Ground and did not participate in training.

MacDonald took the opportunity to run the rule over young, former Tottenham man Jack Barthram - who the Advertiser last week revealed was a Robins transfer target - as well as six other trialists.

The club were not keen to disclose the identities of these individuals - who included amongst their number a goalkeeper and five outfield players - however the Advertiser has learnt that three are on trial from chairman Jed McCrory’s former club Banbury.

Striker Adeyinka Talabi and winger Kynan Isaac are believed to be two of the Puritans involved in pre-season with Town.

Goalkeeper Wes Foderingham was one of three shot-stoppers being put through their paces by Fraser Digby. Foderingham, who verbally agreed a new contract at Town on Friday is due to sign the deal in the next few days. The relevant paperwork was still being completed yesterday.

Meanwhile, MacDonald has confirmed his interest in Aston Villa defender Daniel Devine, who was named by the Adver as being on Swindon’s radar on Monday. Devine is set to link up with the squad later this week following his return from holiday.

Finally, former Robins skipper Alan McCormack yesterday finalised his move to Brentford after passing a medical on Saturday.