Freddie Hoare to become Swindon Town youngest starter

Following defeat in their opening match in this year’s EFL Trophy, 2-1 to Crystal Palace under-21s last week, Swindon will likely have to take something when The Exiles visit the Nigel Eady County Ground this week.

As injuries continue to afflict Swindon, the team will once again largely be selected based on need, and that will see 16-year-old Freddie Hoare become the club’s youngest-ever starter.

Hoare came off the bench last week, and at 16 years and seven days, became the club’s second-youngest player, behind Harry Gray, and will now set a record.

The previous youngest starter was Abu Kanu, who was in the 11 under Scott Lindsey as Town lost 2-0 to Crystal Palace under-21s in the EFL Trophy in 2022.

Ian Holloway said: “This is a great opportunity for the young people who are playing to show us what they've got and make us proud under the lights with our fans behind them.

“I had to get him [Hoare] out of school today. He told me he would have been doing mathematics, so I'm sure I'm doing him a big favour.

“It will be a proud moment for him, and he has deserved it. He's worked hard.

“It's about trying to enjoy yourself and work hard where you've been dreaming of playing.

“I was very impressed with him against Milton Keynes Dons a few weeks back [for the under-21s]. He made one of the best blocks I've ever seen in my life.”

Holloway admitted that his team was largely predicated on which players needed to play and which needed not to, with five likely starters against Accrington Stanley not even training ahead of this game.

It will see the return of Matty Virtue, who will be a substitute and get around half an hour against Newport after getting over a hamstring issue that has sidelined him for the last few weeks.

Holloway revealed that Hoare would be starting in midfield alongside Tom Nichols, with Danny Butterworth and Jaylan Pearman both going from the first whistle as well.

Mitch Clark is one game into his three-match suspension for being sent off at York City, and he will be involved this time.

Paul Glatzel is also ready to play more than he has been, Ollie Clarke will get the chance to gain some sharpness, whilst Joseph Hungbo, who last played 90 minutes in December 2025, will be on the bench and making a cameo at the end to help him top up his fitness.

Holloway said that this game was important for getting players fit and also for developing some understanding.

He said: “Basically, it's an extended training session because they can only play certain minutes. So we've got to adhere to that. Hopefully within two or three weeks we'll be back up to full speed.

“I am resting five of them completely, and it is a training session for the ones who have been out.”