SWINDON Town failed to add to their squad on emergency loan deadline day, as prospective deals for several players could not be completed.

The Advertiser understands agreements were reached with as many as four separate Championship players, with a view to one being sealed before the 5pm cut-off point.

However, a combination of injuries at the targets’ parent clubs and a lack of movement elsewhere in the transfer market contributed to Town failing to land a new acquisition.

The Robins are believed to have launced a late bid for Sheffield Wednesday striker Gary Madine, for whom a proposed move fell through 10 days ago, but they did not manage to secure a deal.

One player did depart the County Ground yesterday afternoon, however, as Samsung Win A Pro Contract winner Chris Smith joined Northampton on loan until January 1.

Smith, who has made just one appearance for Town, recently spent time at Swindon Supermarine.

The Adver understands the Robins received inquiries from other clubs looking to take members of their first-team squad on loan, but Di Canio was keen to keep a sizeable squad as the busy Christmas period looms.

At Thursday’s press conference, he told the local media: “Now I prefer to have 24 players than 17 because you never know.

“I still think that with more options I am not worried to handle the situation, the challenge in the dressing room.

“The players that came in here came alone, you have to be lucky for them to feel the cause straight away.

“How can you know? You can speak and persuade them but you have to be lucky.

“Just because I care about the situation but I am obliged to offer a loan without a promise of a two-year contract, it’s better to have some more than some less.”