SWINDON Town have announced the signing of Ben Gladwin on a permanent one-year deal following the midfielder's exit from MK Dons.

Gladwin has returned to Swindon for his fourth spell after a permanent move in 2013 was followed by two loan spells in the first half of the 2015-16 season and the latter part of the 2016-17 campaign.

The 29-year-old - who has already made 88 appearances for the club - marks new owner Clem Morfuni's first signing since taking over the County Ground outfit.

Town fans will be able to see Gladwin in action during Saturday's pre-season friendly against Peterborough United.

Speaking to club media upon his arrival, Gladwin said: "I'm delighted to be back. The club's obviously been through a tough time recently but just the feeling over the last couple of days, the new takeover obviously and the new bodies coming in, I think it's an exciting time. You can sense the excitement around the place and get the club going somewhere.

"I’ve obviously always had a soft spot for the club in terms of them taking me out of non-league. We had a very successful time, I think it was 2014-15, we’ve all got very fond memories of that and my little boy starts school in September. I’m a local lad in terms of just being down the road in Reading, and I think things just fit, so I’m looking forward to it."

Gladwin is fondly remembered by Town fans for his stunning strike in the League One play-off semi-final against Sheffield United - the first in an extraordinary 5-5 result that saw Swindon progress to the final.

The 29-year-old is proud of that time but says he is now looking to create new memories for Town this coming campaign.

He said: "If we get to the playoffs, that’s obviously the aim really isn’t it, to be at the top of the league and trying to push for promotion again. We’ll see how the season pans out and I’ll give my best to obviously do that.

"I just want to just enjoy my football. Obviously I want to contribute to goals and assists, and the team winning games really is the most important thing. But enjoying my football and having a successful season as a group is the main aim."

Meanwhile, Town’s director of football, Ben Chorley had his say on the arrival of Gladwin
He said: “He is somebody both myself and Ben Garner have admired from afar for years. 

“His football doesn’t need any introduction to the Swindon fan base. He has enormous quality, he is in great shape and comes at a perfect stage of his career for himself and us. 

“He will fit perfectly into the style of play the club want to implement We hope Ben is the first of many.”