Fresh forward for Town as Holloway gets his man on loan

Tom Nichols sealed his loan switch to Swindon Town until the end of the season and insisted it was a “no-brainer” for him.

The 31-year-old forward arrives from Mansfield Town, having made eight senior appearances in all competitions this season.

He becomes Town’s first signing of the January transfer window, which manager Ian Holloway is overseeing.

Nichols said: "It feels really good, I'm really excited. I've not played many games lately and I just can't wait to get back playing and playing for points.

"Swindon is a big club, I know results haven't been amazing this season - but it's a very big club and a big fan base and I've always kept an eye on what Swindon are doing.

“As soon as they said they were interested, it was a no-brainer for me to come and join the club."

We are delighted to announce the signing of experienced forward, Tom Nichols on loan from League One side Mansfield ??#STFC

— Swindon Town Football Club (@Official_STFC) January 10, 2025

Nichols, who came through the youth ranks at Exeter City, has featured for eight different clubs prior to his move to the Nigel Eady County Ground, scoring almost 100 senior career goals.

Holloway added: "I've been a Tom Nichols fan for years. I've tried to sign him three different times for three different clubs.

“He links play, he's got a fantastic football brain. He's never beaten at all in his life, he always fights.

"I'm delighted to have Tom with us, he brings a blend of experience playing nearly 500 carer games.

“Tom will give us exactly what we haven't got, which he'll have. He'll be a face, he'll be a front. I could play him in two, and I can play him in three. I could play him as a proper, real ten because he is a player who will make runs in beyond, but he holds the ball up for us."

Swindon Town host Crewe in League Two on Saturday (3pm).

(Picture: Rob Noyes)