Premier League cult hero set for 14TH transfer of career as he wakes up unemployed after release from League Two side

FORMER Premier League cult hero Charlie Austin has been released by Swindon Town.

The League Two club announced that Austin has been let go on their retained and released list on the club website this morning.

Austin, 34, will now be a free agent and available to make his 14th career transfer if he chooses to continue playing.

The striker only spent a season and a half with The Robins after joining from Australian side Brisbane Roar in January 2023.

It was Austin’s second spell with the club after starting his professional career with Swindon back in 2011 during their days in League One.

The Englishman went on to make over 100 Premier League appearances for QPR, Southampton and West Brom and netted 34 times in the process.

But will now have to search for a new home to continue his goal scoring exploits.

Austin managed a successful individual campaign this term for Swindon scoring 12 goals and registering 6 assists in the league.

He wore the captain’s armband for the majority of his 18-month second spell with the club but saw the side struggle to perform, ultimately finishing 19th in the league table.

Austin managed to score twice in what proved to be his final game in a Swindon shirt , a 3-3 draw with Morecambe.

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He has since released a statement on his Instagram thanking the club and fans for his return.

It read: “Well… It seems my time at Swindon town has come to an end…

“It was an absolute pleasure to play back at my first professional club, to have the privilege of being captain and to score my 200th career goal in red.

“The lads have been amazing, I enjoyed playing with you all and I’ve made some great friends this time, friendships that will stand the test of time and football.

“I hope you boys know even though I’m not there on the pitch I am always there off it!

“Swindon is a club I hold close to my heart, I watched games there as a child with friends and family, as did my wife, it’s where I was born.

“And I hope it was clear that whenever I put the shirt on I always said and did what I believed was best for the club (even if at times it was controversial). I was always honest -that’s because I care.

“Thank you Clem for giving me the opportunity to come back. I hope the great club you envision, and the great club we all know Swindon can be returns as soon as possible .

“To the fans, thank you for all your support during this stint and my last.

“You have and always have been amazing fans, who dig deep and support the team even when things are rough.

“I know a few never shook the anger of me leaving the first time , but just like anyone, it was natural I wanted to progress in my career and thankfully it paid off.

“I’m sure I will see you all again somewhere… As you saw Saturday, there’s plenty of life in the old dog yet!! 32 – over and out.”

“My performances sometimes have been okay, some have been below par, but trust me, I really appreciate your [the fans’] support.

“What you did for me at the end of the game, I will always cherish that.”

Austin wasn’t the only star to be released by Swindon either with a former Chelsea academy prospect also seeing his time with the club come to an end.

George McEachran, who won the U17 World Cup for England alongside Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho, was also let go by Swindon.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk