Gavin Kilkenny’s new contract has been the most important piece of business Swindon Town have done in January, because of what he has become in the last 18 months.

Arriving late in the summer transfer window to provide a midfield pivot to Mark Kennedy’s 3-5-2 system, Kilkenny immediately displayed that he was among Swindon’s best players. However, he has turned into one of the most influential players in League Two under Ian Holloway, which has made his commitment until 2028 all the more important.

Whilst Holloway said he felt his improvement would have come anyway, his decision to utilise the energy of his Irish midfielder has helped unlock further potential than when he was just the man at the base of midfield looking to dictate play from deep.

The engine room is the most important part of the team under Holloway, on account of his emphasis on pressing, and Kilkenny always possessed the legs to facilitate that. All of his........

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