How do you replace a 16-goal striker? That’s the current dilemma that League Two side Swindon Town face during the January transfer window, so let’s take a look at five potential options for the club to consider.
Swindon Town supporters have experienced a frustrating start to 2024, losing loan stars Dan Kemp and Jake Young as well as losing 3-1 against Crawley Town to drop down to 16th in the League Two standings.
Crawley Town forward Danilo Orsi secured a brace whilst midfielder Jack Roles added another which saw the home side initially lead 3-0. However, loanee Dan Kemp was on hand to add a late consolation goal for Michael Flynn’s men but it was too little too late.
Jake Young joined Swindon Town on a season-long loan deal from fellow League Two side Bradford City and appeared to replicate former Bantams striker Eoin Doyle in becoming a goalscoring star whilst on loan at Swindon Town.
The 22-year-old scored 16 goals in 25 appearances for Swindon Town this season as well as contributing to four assists in the process. Meanwhile, former teammate Dan Kemp managed 16 goals and eight assists in 27 appearances before being recalled by MK Dons and I have already covered some potential replacements for Kemp in a separate article.
With that being said, let’s take a look at five potential options that Swindon Town could consider during the January transfer window…
Junior Morias – Notts County
Kicking off the list is 28-year-old striker Junior Morias who is currently stuck behind the likes of Macaulay Langstaff and David McGoldrick at League Two rivals Notts County.
The forward has made 13 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring twice but has only started on four occasions this season, increasing the likelihood that he is available for a loan switch.
Morias has experience with the likes of Peterborough and Northampton and would add some physicality and experience to Michael Flynn’s side.
Jacob Wakeling – Peterborough United
Despite leaving the club in the summer for League One, Jacob Wakeling makes the list due to his lack of first-team opportunities at Peterborough United so far this season.
The 22-year-old has made 12 appearances this season, including two for Michael Flynn’s side but is yet to score or assist since moving to League One.
Wakeling can only play for Peterborough or Swindon Town this season and given Flynn’s men need a new striker, bringing back a player who knows the club on loan could be a strong option for the side.
Gerard Garner – Barrow AFC
My third selection involves Barrow’s record-signing Gerard Garner who could be a potential departure for Pete Wild’s side this January.
The 28-year-old has made 23 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring twice and assisting an additional two goals in the process since his arrival from Fleetwood Town last January.
Swindon Town have proven to be excellent at recapturing the goalscoring careers of strikers and with Garner appealing to be struggling, allowing him to depart on loan could benefit all parties involved both financially and physically.
Jake Bickerstaff – Wrexham AFC
Keeping with the theme of loan moves, Wrexham’s Jake Bickerstaff could be another option for Michael Flynn’s side to consider on a short-term basis.
The 22-year-old has made 13 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring twice and assisting an additional two goals for the League Two side since their promotion to the EFL.
Bickerstaff has recently signed a new contract with the club but could be available on loan should the right offer come in and this is where the club need to be clever and act sooner rather than later.
Josh Eppiah – Free Agent
Belgian striker Josh Eppiah is my final potential option that Swindon Town could consider during the January transfer window.
The 24-year-old spent the duration of the 2022/23 season with Northampton Town helping them to clinch promotion. He made 35 appearances in total for the Cobblers.
Eppiah broke through at Leicester City and has the physicality and speed to be able to adapt for League Two once again but this is arguably the biggest risk on the list due to his lack of regular first-team minutes this season.
Swindon Town fans, what are your thoughts on these suggestions and is there anyone you’d take?