STFC LOAN PLAYERS: SIGN OR LEAVE?

Swindon Town currently have six loan players on their books, and as the season draws ever closer to its end, Total Sport Swindon's Ryan Walker gives his verdict on who the club should look to sign and which of those loan players should return to their parent clubs.

Ben House

Has played just 44 minutes since joining on-loan from Championship side Reading in January and is yet to start a match for Swindon Town. Last featured in Swindon’s away loss to Carlisle at the start of March and looks certain to not have his stay extended at SN1.

Verdict: Leave

Theo Robinson

Signing on deadline day from Southend United until the end of the season, Theo Robinson's arrival at the County Ground brought with it a wave of uncertainty and the familiarity of a desperate deadline day signing. 

However, with four goals to his name already, Robinson has proved his worth to the Town faithful. Providing Richie Wellens with a focal point for his attack, the 30-year-old striker has been the catalyst for Swindon’s late play-off charge with his efforts off the ball almost as good as when he’s on it. Swindon must make sure Robinson stays beyond his current loan spell.

Verdict: Extend/Sign

Canice Carroll

Perhaps the player who splits opinion more than any amongst the STFC faithful, Canice Carroll has become a frequent starter under manager Richie Wellens since arriving in Wiltshire on-loan from Brentford. Often used as a central defensive midfielder, Carroll seems to flutter between a good performance and a poor showing too often, with his determination to break up play usually counteracted with erratic attempts to win the ball back. 

When in possession Carroll possesses the ability to make a good pass that kick-starts attacks but when put under pressure is often let down by poor decision-making and concedes possession. If Swindon don’t make the playoffs this season then they should let Carroll return to his parent club.

Verdict: Leave

Ali Koiki

Ali Koiki arrived at the County Ground looking to earn senior minutes and familiarise himself with playing at left-back in the professional game. And since his arrival, the 19-year-old has been a big success at Swindon by replacing Matty Taylor at left-back and becoming a regular in the starting squad. 

Providing great width combined with electric pace makes Koiki a dangerous full-back in any side and Swindon should look to sign him permanently when the season ends. 

Verdict: Extend/Sign

Luke Woolfenden

Arriving at Swindon Town at the start of the season on-loan from Ipswich, Luke Woolfenden has developed into one of the leagues best defenders during his time in the West Country. 

A robust powerful centre-back, Woolfenden formed a solid partnership with Sid Nelson in the first half of the season before more recently striking up a solid defensive foundation with Dion Conroy at the heart of Swindon’s defence. 

Having become a mainstay in the Town side, Swindon fans will be hopeful that the defender will make the permanent switch to the County Ground this summer, however, with Ipswich looking set to be relegated from the Championship this season, it looks likely that Woolfenden will return to his parent club.

Verdict: Extend/Sign

Kyle Bennett

After a slow start to his Swindon Town loan spell, Kyle Bennett has become a key figure in Swindon’s squad in recent games. Playing in a playmaker role just behind Robinson, Bennett has started to prove his worth with assists and three goals scored showcasing what he brings to this Swindon side. 

Bennett has excelled in the absence of Michael Doughty and seems to have formed a bright relationship with Town’s attackers that will be crucial to Swindon’s success. If STFC can get him for a decent price from Bristol Rovers then they should definitely make the move permanent. 

Verdict: Extend/Sign