SWINDON Town have announced the return of Akin Odimayo on an initial one-year contract.

The defender saw his previous contract expire at the end of last season but was thought to have a one-year extension option.

With an air of uncertainty hanging around the County Ground over the summer in regard to the ownership situation, Odimayo appeared to be heading for the exit door after joining League One Portsmouth on a week's trial.

There was also rumoured to be long-standing interest from big hitters, Derby County and Sheffield Wednesday in brining the 21-year-old further north.

However, once it was announced that the Pompey trial would amount to nothing for Odimayo, the defender's future appeared to tip slightly back in favour of a return to Wiltshire. 

Head coach Ben Garner recently said talks had been ongoing about trying to bring Odimayo back to Swindon, and the latest news signals the young defender feels the best option for his development as a player is to return to the County Ground.

It is currently unclear whether this new deal is the result of a contract extension or has been created with new terms.

Odimayo arrived on trial at the start of the 2020-21 campaign and was signed by former Town boss Richie Wellens before going on to make 33 appearances in his debut season.

The 21-year-old's first taste of football the County Ground came in Town's 3-1 opening-day victory over Rochdale last September.

The versatile defender stood out to many after a number of highly-impressive and consistent performances at both centre-back and right-back last term. The quality of Odimayo's displays ultimately saw him voted Swindon Advertiser STFC player of the season ahead of STFC Official Supporters Club winner, Jack Payne.

In a statement from Swindon Town, the club said Odimayo: "fits the profile of player Ben Chorley is keen to bring to the club – young, committed and with huge potential.

"Everyone here is delighted to welcome him back and can’t wait to watch him continue his development under the new management team."

Town's director of football, Ben Chorley also had his say regarding Odimayo's return to the County Ground.

He said: "We’re delighted to welcome AK back to the football club. A signing we really wanted to get done.

"Speaking with Akin over the last few days, he understands the model and the plan for Swindon going forward.

"He worked with assistant coach Scott Marshall across four years at Reading so we know him well and he is a great addition to the squad for this season."