Pericard is a former French Under-21 international

Swindon have completed the signing of striker Vincent Pericard despite interest from Championship sides.

The 27-year-old also turned down the chance of a new offer from Carlisle and agreed an 18-month deal at Swindon.

Pericard has also played for Juventus, Portsmouth and Stoke and was impressed by Town's ambition.

"I thought Swindon were most suited for me for what I want to achieve in the future which is the Championship," he told BBC Wiltshire.

He added: "They've been doing very well. It's a club with great ambition and going forward.

"If they don't get promoted (this season) I think next year they will be fighting for automatic promotion and that's why I chose Swindon."

Pericard is the first signing in the January transfer window for manager Danny Wilson but faces competition for a place in the line-up from in-form forwards Charlie Austin and Billy Paynter.

But the striker says he will not settle for place on bench.

"I haven't come here to come on the bench. I'm not going to be just a number, I want to keep playing and that's why I'm here," he said.

"I understand the competition for places will be hard but I believe I have the ability to be starting."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version