SWINDON Town chairman Lee Power has called for a reality check after a large proportion of fans were left disappointed by the club only bringing in two loan signings during the January transfer window.

Supporters waited with anticipation on Monday to see if Town would make any marquee signings or strengthen the depth of their squad, however, Louis Thompson returning on loan from Norwich City was the only business completed, with Michael Smith heading for the exit door on loan to Portsmouth.

Many fans have aired their frustration in the aftermath of Monday, especially following the injury crisis that struck in the lead up to Tuesday's loss at Port Vale, but Power has described bringing in players and keeping the books in check as a ‘juggling act’ and is as concerned with stability off the pitch as he is on it.

“Especially at this football club; it has been in and out of administration so many times and I think people forget that sometimes,” he told BBC Wiltshire.

“They have got to appreciate that. As well as things (that) have happened on the pitch - relative success, as in we’ve always been challenging or trips to Wembley - the most important thing is that the football club is on an even keel and it is going to be here next year and the year after.

“We could all go out and spend money we haven’t got. I am sure there are people who want to go and shop in Marks & Spencer rather than Poundstretcher.

“It’s a juggling act. Everyone wants these big strikers but if I said to everyone that I would go and gamble four or five million pound and, if it doesn’t work, the football club would go skint and be in administration, I think that everyone would panic and say ‘just keep running it how you are’.

“I understand everyone’s frustration. It is an entertainment industry but if everyone just reflects on that block of last 15 games (won seven, drew one, lost seven) we have played, then that is promotion form.”