CHARLIE Austin has signed a new one-year contract with Swindon Town.

The prolific striker agreed a short-term deal back in January with the club which handed him his professional debut, and Austin has now penned an extension with the Robins which will see him remain at SN1 until July 2024.

After netting in his first professional league appearance away at Carlisle United back in 2009, Austin repeated the feat early into his second Swindon debut - a 5-0 success over Grimsby Town in early January 2023.

In a 20-game stint in the season just passed, the 33-year-old bagged nine goals - including a remarkable four-goal haul in a 4-4 draw against Rochdale.

Austin re-joined Swindon around the new year after agreeing a mutual termination of his contract with A-League side Brisbane Roar and has made 83 appearances for Town in two different spells at the club.

Speaking to the club’s media team, Austin said: “It was a no-brainer, but as things move on in football, my decision became clearer when the direction of the football club changed.

“They brought the new manager in, Michael Flynn, who is someone I’m really looking forward to working with, and when they offered me the chance to stay another year, it was one I had to take.”

After arriving at the start of January, weeks before club captain Angus MacDonald left for Aberdeen, Austin was handed the armband for the remainder of the campaign.

Also speaking to Town's media team, new manager Flynn suggested Austin could take up captaincy responsibilities next term as well.

Flynn said: “I’m delighted that Charlie has signed for another year. He knows all about this club, and importantly he knows where the back of the net is.

"He’s had an illustrious career, and I can’t wait to start working with him. He is someone who will be a figurehead for not only the team, but the club as well moving forward.”

Meanwhile, Town's Chief Executive Officer, Rob Angus also had his say after the club made its first summer signing.

Angus said: “It’s great to have Charlie at the club and we are delighted that he will be with us next season.

"Charlie is a legend at our club, and we’re excited to have him leading the line for us and helping to push us towards promotion.

"This is a great start to the squad that Michael Flynn is building ahead of next season.”