Ben Middlemas put pen to paper with Swindon Town in January ending his 16-year affiliation with boyhood club Sunderland, a challenge which he is relishing in Wiltshire.
“I played for a boys club in Sunderland from when I was five, got scouted from there by Sunderland really quickly, and then was at the club until I left in January to come to Swindon.
“Growing up I had a season ticket, I would go to all the matches and then being able to play for Sunderland through all the youth teams, unfortunately never made my first team debut but I was on the bench a couple of times, so I’m very proud to say I’ve been in a match day squad as a Sunderland fan.”
The 21-year-old was a regular for The Black Cats’ Premier League 2 side, making 86 appearances across three-and-a-half seasons, whilst regularly training with the first team in the week.
“It was all about trying to make an impression, put your personality out there. It’s probably something that looking back on, I would change and show a bit more personality in that first team environment, but it’s hard when you’re training with players worth millions and millions of pounds but as a young player it’s just about showing you should be there.”
Middlemas experienced his first taste of senior football in August 2024, heading out on a one-month loan to local non-league outfit South Shields where he would feature five times.
“It all happened so quickly, I remember on the Thursday night, I got a call from the manager of South Shields who I knew from when he was at Sunderland and I went in on the Friday morning to train and then straight into the game on the Saturday but it’s so important to get as much experience as you can when you’re young.”
Ian Holloway would acquire the attacking midfielder’s services in January 2026, with Middlemas penning a two-and-a-half-year deal at The Nigel Eady County Ground.
“I was looking to go on loan but then the club got in contact with my agent who said it would be a permanent, so I was very happy to join Swindon.
“I was living with my mum and dad back home so coming down here, moving out for the first time, having to look after myself – doing my washing, cooking, it was all new and that was tough but I moved in with Fletcher (Holman) which helped me a lot, he was in a similar situation coming in from Wolves.”
Town’s ‘20’ started the 2026/27 season strongly; however, has been sidelined with a knee injury since mid-September, but is targeting a return to action in the upcoming weeks.
“This season I want to play as many games as I can and hopefully contribute as much as possible with goals and assists and help get Swindon promoted to League One, that’s the aim for everyone.”
Ben Middlemas on his goals this season at Swindon Town. https://t.co/Yjh3z9b1TF
— Josh Hedges (@JoshHedgesFL) November 9, 2026
