AS the loan window closes on Thursday, Swindon Town will be looking to move out the players on the fringes of the squad who are not getting regular game time.
Jack Barthram has fallen out of contention for the first team squad in recent weeks and, with opportunities such as Monday’s development game - where Barthram scored twice - not forthcoming, Cooper would like to find him some regular first team football.
For George Barker, whose spell at Tranmere was cut short, the story is the same. The former Brighton man finds himself down the pecking order with Town’s top line forwards all fit and firing at the moment.
However offers have not been forthcoming for that pair despite Cooper’s desire to lend them out.
Asked whether approaches had been made for the pair, the Town boss said: “Not that I know of.”
“They need to play if they can but we can’t actually force teams to take them.”
“It would probably do them good to get some games but, while they’re here, they remain our players and they remain good professionals and decent players.”
Two players that have successfully found temporary new homes are Connor Waldon and Ryan Harley. Waldon has joined Conference North Brackley after his month-long spell at Maidenhead expired and played last night against Tamworth.
Harley, who has not featured in the first team all season, joined Exeter last week in a loan deal with a view to a permanent move in January. It is a deal that Cooper says suits all parties.
“It’s a good move for Ryan (Harley). He’s obviously a hero down at Exeter. I’m sure he’ll do really well down there, he’s a fantastic technician and they love him down at Exeter. I’m sure he’ll continue to help them climb the table.”
On Harley’s spell at the club, Cooper was reflective saying: “It’s one of those things, it happens in football. We all move on.”
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