Swindon bring in Mansfield striker Nichols on loan

Tom Nichols has fallen out of favour at Mansfield, having not played since 29 October

Swindon Town have signed Mansfield Town forward Tom Nichols on loan until the end of the season.

The 31-year-old has played more than 500 games for clubs including Exeter City, Bristol Rovers, Peterborough United, Gillingham and Crawley Town.

He moved to Mansfield a year ago for an undisclosed fee from Gillingham and has scored three goals in 26 appearances.

Nichols, who has not played since the end of October, joins a Swindon side one place and four points above the League Two relegation zone.

"I've not played many games lately and I just can't wait to get back playing - and playing for points," Nichols told the Swindon Town website.

"I know results haven't been amazing this season - but it's a very big club and a big fanbase 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."

Robins manager Ian 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."