Swindon sign Cox, Kilkenny, Butterworth and Barden

George Cox had a loan spell at Northampton heading to the Netherlands

Swindon Town have signed defender George Cox on a free transfer.

The 26-year-old former Brighton & Hove Albion youth player has spent the last five years playing in the Netherlands, spending last season in the top flight with FC Volendam.

He joins other deadline-day signings - forward Danny Butterworth, who joins on a two-year deal, and goalkeeper Daniel Barden, who has agreed a season-long loan from Norwich City - and midfielder Gavin Kilkenny, who signed late on Thursday.

Kilkenny, 24, has arrived from Bournemouth for an undisclosed fee, having played 15 times in the Championship for the Cherries.

He has also had loan spells with Stoke City, Charlton Athletic and Fleetwood Town and has also signed a two-year contract.

"I needed a new home and now I feel like it's time for me to make this place a permanent home," the former Republic of Ireland U21 international said.

"I like to get on the ball and get the team playing and I feel like I can bring that to the team."

Butterworth, who has joined from Carlisle United, began his youth career at Manchester United before moving to Blackburn Rovers' development team, making his senior debut at Ewood Park in August 2018.

The 24-year-old had a loan spell at Fleetwood during the second half of the 2021-22 season and joined Port Vale on a season-long loan in September 2022.

He has seven goals and three assists in 59 appearances in League One during the past two seasons.

Barden, 23, made two appearances for the Canaries in the Championship during the 2020-21 season.

The former Wales Under-21 international has had loan spells at Bury Town, Livingston and Maidstone United.

Swindon's latest deals follow the loan signing of Peterborough United striker Kabongo Tshimanga and bring manager Mark Kennedy's total number of summer recruits to 13.