Cheltenham Town sign defenders Sweeney and Tomlinson

Cheltenham Town have boosted their defensive options with the signings of central defender Pierce Sweeney and full-back Joe Tomlinson.

>Sweeney, 31, arrives after 10 years at Exeter City where he was club captain, making over 430 appearances for the fellow League Two outfit.

>Tomlinson, 26, arrives from MK Dons where he played over 100 games and was vice-captain last season as they won promotion to League One.

>Irish defender Sweeney was offered a new Exeter deal this summer but turned it down "to pursue a new opportunity".

>He told the Cheltenham website: "Having played against Cheltenham on numerous occasions in the past, I know how difficult a place it can be for opposition teams, but now I get to experience it as a Robin.

>"After speaking to the manager (Steve Cotterill), who I have great respect for, it didn't take long for him to convince me to sign.

>Sweeney knows what it takes to get promoted from League Two, being part of the Exeter side that won promotion in 2022, having reached three play-off finals.

>Manager Cotterill said: "He's a really good defender, great experience and a fantastic character. He is a really good leader, and is exactly what we want in our dressing room.

>Tomlinson, who scored 13 goals in his three-year spell at Stadium MK, told BBC Radio Gloucestershire: "This was definitely the place I wanted to come. I've always admired the club, growing up not too far from here.

>"I had a good season last year, getting promoted, so I'm hoping to bring some of that experience here."

>Cheltenham begin their League Two campaign at home to Rotherham United on Saturday 15 August.

Exeter skipper Sweeney leaves after 10 years