Norwich City Goalkeeper Dan Barden Joins Swindon Town on Loan: A Step Towards Regular Playing Time
Young Norwich City goalkeeper Dan Barden has completed a deadline day loan move to League Two side Swindon Town. City have been searching for a loan destination for the 23-year-old and after much interest in his services from the EFL and National League, the Robins have been chosen as the preferred destination to continue his development.
Barden's Move to Swindon Town: A Chance for Regular Playing Time
The City keeper had a brief trial with National League side Forest Green earlier in the summer but both parties opted to pursue different options. Barden's move to the County Ground is his fourth away from Norfolk.
He joins Swindon as a backup option initially but will provide competition for the number one choice Jack Bycroft. Norwich hope that this experience will expose Barden to more regular minutes after a fragmented couple of seasons. Archie Mair looks set to remain at the club as third choice behind senior options.
Barden's Journey: Overcoming Adversity and Seeking Regular Playing Time
Barden signed a new contract at Norwich earlier in the summer until 2026, with the club retaining a 12-month option. He joined from Arsenal in 2019 and has made four senior Championship appearances for the Canaries. His journey hasn't come without adversity. Barden fought a battle with cancer in 2021 and has also been forced to contend with a long-term knee injury that kept him sidelined for 12 months.
Barden has also had loan spells with Livingston and Maidstone United as he has looked to gain more experience before now searching for more regular EFL playing time as he comes in to rival Jack Bycroft.
Barden's Determination and Focus on Regular Football
Barden said: “I think it is really important [for me to get an EFL loan spell], I have missed a lot of football in the last year or so through injury and stuff and so it is really important for me to get out and try and get in the league, play games, and show what I can do.
“I have played under-23s football in the last year or so coming back from injury and also in the National League.
“Men’s football is where I want to be playing and it is important to be involved in league football.
“The moved happened quite quickly, I have been training at Norwich for the last few weeks seeing what loan moves were available and Swindon came in, so I have come down and I am really excited to be here.”
Barden's National League Experience: A Valuable Learning Curve
Barden had a run in the National League under George Elokobi at Maidstone and he feels that experience has prepared him well for this move.
He said: “That was my first time back with men’s football after my treatment and I knew what I was going into and it was tough because we were down there but as a goalkeeper it was really educational.
“We were under pressure a lot in games and I was busy, if anything for a goalkeeper it is not a bad thing when you have a lot to do.
“It is important for goalkeepers to experience that type of football, especially in the National League where every team has a long throw, good crossing, and there are some really good players at that level.
“It was something that I enjoyed as well as being a really big learning experience for me.”
Barden's Determination to Prove Himself: A New Chapter in his Career
Barden's move to Swindon represents a new chapter in his career, one where he is determined to prove himself and earn a regular place in the starting lineup. His experience in the National League, coupled with his determination to succeed, makes him a valuable asset to Swindon Town. Only time will tell how Barden will perform in his new environment, but his past performance and his positive attitude suggest that he has the potential to make a significant impact at the County Ground.
