Oldaker departs Swindon Town to join Southend

Midfielder Darren Oldaker has joined Southend United from Swindon Town for an undisclosed fee.

The 27-year-old, who signed for Town in May 2025, departs the Nigel Eady County Ground having played 45 times for the club last season.

Oldaker netted in a 3-2 win for Town at home against Cambridge United in League Two last season, while also striking the winner in extra-time at Rotherham in the first round of the FA Cup.

He helped Ian Holloway’s side finish ninth in the league last term, having missed out on the play-off places on the final day of the 2025/26 campaign.

A statement on the club website said: “Everyone here at Swindon would like to thank Darren for all his efforts in a Swindon shirt, and we’d all like to wish him well for the future.”

Oldaker links up with Southend boss and former England international Kieron Dyer, the pair having previously worked together at Chesterfield.

Speaking on Southend’s website, Oldaker said: “I’m delighted to be here. This is a big club with huge ambitions and I want to be a part of it.”