Swindon Town missed out on signing striker Cole Stockton during the previous transfer window, as confirmed by interim manager Gavin Gunning via the Swindon Advertiser.

The 30-year-old instead joined League Two rivals Barrow on loan for the remainder of the 2023/24 season from League One side Burton Albion, but things could have taken a different turn in January.

What did Gunning reveal?

During his pre-game interview, interim manager Gavin Gunning revealed that Cole Stockton was one of Swindon’s main targets to replace loanee Jake Young after he was recalled by Bradford City.

However, the League Two side opted to pursue Aaron Drinan instead and signed him rather than loan in Stockton.

Speaking in his pre-match interview, Gunning stated…

“I think the realism is that their budget is not what you think because it is Barrow you get reeled in by that, but with what Telford was on at Crawley, he was one of the highest-paid strikers in the league.

“Stockton, we did look at him ourselves and we were in for him and Drinan, but we preferred Drinz instead.

“They [Stockton and Telford] are a handful, it doesn’t get a lot better than them with the goals they have scored at this level and their performances, it is going to be a tough day.

“No [we weren’t priced out on Stockton], it was just a choice between those two and Drinan has done brilliantly so I don’t think you can complain with Drinan.”

How has Stockton faired so far?

Since arriving on loan from Burton Albion, the 30-year-old has managed to recapture the form he once showed at Morecambe, when they clinched their promotion into League One.

He made his debut during a 3-1 defeat against Crewe Alexandra, where he appeared as a late substitute. Since then, Stockton has scored six goals in 12 league matches for Pete Wild’s side, including three in his last three appearances.

Did Swindon miss out?

In comparison to Stockton’s impressive start at Barrow, Aaron Drinan had a tougher opening at Swindon Town but has since managed to settle down once again and find goals for Gavin Gunning’s men.

In 12 matches, the Irishman has scored three goals, including a crucial strike during a 2-1 victory against Notts County. After a run of eight games without a goal, Drinan now has three in his last four appearances and judging by Gunning’s comments, Swindon are happy with the decision they came to in the previous window.

Also, it is important to remember that Stockton is only on loan at Barrow whilst Drinan is a permanent addition for Swindon Town.