'Pull of Swindon' brought Bodin back to club

New signing Billy Bodin said the "pull of the club" was why he returned to Swindon Town, 13 years after leaving.

The 33-year-old forward began his career in Swindon's academy but left in 2012, when the club were managed by Paolo di Canio, for Torquay United.

Bodin, whose father Paul also played for Swindon and had a spell as caretaker manager, signed on a one-year deal after his exit from Burton Albion.

"I never really wanted to leave and I always felt like I had a little bit more to show to the fans and the manager at the time, but didn't quite get the opportunities maybe I thought I should have got," Bodin told BBC Radio Wiltshire.

"The pull of the club and everything around it was perfect timing for me and, hopefully, it can be a good season."

Bodin has made more than 400 appearances across English football since leaving the County Ground.

He said the "attacking" tactical approach of Robins manager Ian Holloway was another key factor in his signing.

"[The way] the manager wants to play with the wingers coming inside and the full-backs bombing on is perfect to how I play," Bodin said.

"He's said [I can play] anywhere across the front line, whether its starting on the right, coming inside to little pockets."

Bodin added he was also looking forward to linking up with striker Harry Smith, who scored 17 goals last season as the club's top scorer.

"The last time I played with a forward like that was probably Paul Benson [at Swindon], so a good few years ago.

"For a good numbers of years there weren't many teams that played with that focal point and that target man. That's perfect for me.

"As long as he can get hold of it, I'll be in and around him trying to get the knock down. Hopefully, it'll be a great partnership or front three and lots of goals and some exciting football."