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, external: "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.