Chris Powell explained the rationale behind allowing Danny Hollands’ to join Swindon to the Newsshopper on Thursday.

Here’s what he said:

“He has only gone on loan, so obviously it depends on how that goes for him. Obviously when it is up I will be in discussions.

“He is our player so for you to mention will he still be here at the end of January, he has got to train and play for them first and see how that goes. They may express a wish to extend it, he might do or he might say ‘I don’t really want to stay’, I can call him back after 28 days, so there are so many different scenarios before we get anywhere near January and what happens then.

“He is going for game time and we will see what happens after initially 28 days and then after January 5.”

“Obviously as the season has gone on we’ve looked at different things. Johnnie Jackson has moved inside, so that adds to the numbers there. Bradley Pritchard and Dale Stephens have sort of established themselves a little bit, so I’ve got them.

“Salim Kerkar can play in there as well and I’ve got Eggert Jonsson in for a minimum of 28 days. Danny obviously expressed his wish to get some game time and play so I just felt it would do him the world of good.

“It just shows that we can get a little bit stronger. We’ve got Andy Hughes, even though he is not fit, but he is a central midfielder as well. Dorian Dervite has played in there, I can just keep going on.

“At the moment I felt it was right and wise for him to go out. He is still our player, he has gone there for six weeks but I can call him back after 28 days as well.

“I feel quite comfortable in doing that and I’m sure it will benefit everyone in the long term,” said Powell.

Reading between the lines, it would appear that the manager would be happy to let Hollands go on a permanent basis.

His comment that Eggert Jonsson is at The Valley for a MINIMUM of 28 days tends to suggest that Powell may be looking to extend the deal.

Hollands also seems to be indicating that a move away from Charlton may be to his benefit. Here’s what he said to BBC Radio Wiltshire:

“Charlton have adopted a different formation and maybe I haven’t produced the performances that I did last season but I’m getting back to where I was and Paolo (Di Canio) plays 4-4-2 and that’s what I enjoy,” said Hollands.

Di Canio added Norwich striker, Chris Martin, to his squad on Thursday and allowed former Charlton front man, Paul Benson, to join Portsmouth.