Swindon Town will make key decisions on the futures of six loan players when the January transfer window opens. Manager Ian Holloway confirmed every temporary signing will be assessed based on their performance and fitness as the club looks to strengthen its League Two promotion push.

The club sits 13th in the table with 19 points from 14 games, a position that keeps them firmly in the hunt for the play-offs. Their recent form of two wins, two draws and one defeat from the last five matches shows the need for consistency. Holloway has stated that conversations will happen for all loan players once the window opens. Their contributions must justify their place in the squad, otherwise the club will consider its options.

Policy shift and key performers

Swindon changed its loan policy this summer to retain greater control, including clauses that require players to meet a minimum minutes threshold. This shift is designed to ensure borrowed players contribute meaningfully. Anthony Munda and Dan Butler, who provided an assist in the recent 2-1 win over Rotherham, are seen as key additions and regular starters the club wants to keep.

Fitness concerns impact contributions

Injury issues have hampered the impact of several other loanees. Sam Inwood, who made three league starts, has returned to parent club Bolton Wanderers due to a hamstring tear and will be out for six weeks. Joseph Hungbo, who scored against Rotherham, has impressed when available but has struggled to stay fit. The combined league starts for the other four loan players stands at just seven.

Holloway emphasised that loan players must perform well enough to warrant their inclusion. He said the club needs to see if they are being played enough and if their level is good enough for Swindon's objectives. Young loanees James Debayo and Jaylan Pearman are still adapting to men's football, with Debayo showing improvements but his future remaining uncertain.

With 33 contracted players already on the books, decisions in January will be key for shaping the squad for the second half of the campaign. The immediate focus turns to the next fixture, a home game against sixth-placed Grimsby on 14 November. Final calls on which loanees stay or go will be made when the transfer window opens, with the club's league position and promotion ambitions the primary drivers.

The original report is at The Adver