Forest Green Rovers have strengthened their defensive options with the short-term signing of Tom McIntyre, as director of football Mark Bowen looks to add experience to an area affected by injury.
The left-footed centre-back has agreed a deal with Rovers until January 2027 and could make his debut against Hartlepool United the day after the announcement, according to the club update published on October 9, 2026.
Bowen welcomes defender he knows from Reading
Bowen previously worked with McIntyre during his time at Reading and said he was pleased to bring a player familiar with his methods to Forest Green. The 27-year-old has been recruited for his defensive ability, leadership and experience in the English Football League.
“We are really happy to have Tom on board in an area of the pitch where we have needed reinforcement due to injury,”
Bowen added that McIntyre would be available for the Hartlepool fixture, giving the defender the chance to make an immediate impact if selected.
“Having worked with Tom during my time at Reading, I know the qualities he can bring to the team with his extensive EFL experience, leadership qualities and undoubted ability; he’ll be available heading into tomorrow’s game against Hartlepool.”
McIntyre’s career so far
McIntyre came through Reading’s youth system and made more than 100 appearances for the club between 2018 and 2024. He scored four goals during that spell before moving to Portsmouth in January 2024.
His Portsmouth debut was cut short by a broken leg, an injury that ruled him out for the rest of that campaign. After returning late in the year, he started 10 consecutive Championship matches.
The defender then spent time on loan with Charlton Athletic and Bradford City. He left Portsmouth in February 2026 to join Aberdeen on a short-term contract in the Scottish Premiership.
McIntyre made five appearances for Aberdeen before suffering another injury. His move to Forest Green gives him an opportunity to return to action in Gloucestershire while adding another experienced option to the Rovers squad.
Forest Green’s immediate test is the meeting with Hartlepool United, where McIntyre could make his first appearance for the club.