HOPES of Swindon Town retaining Dan Kemp for the full campaign have been given a boost after the attacker’s parent club, Milton Keynes Dons, signed ex-Robins midfielder Jack Payne on loan from Charlton Athletic on Wednesday.

Payne is set to spend the entire 2023-24 season at Stadium MK in a bid to find more game time after falling out favour at the Valley following 14 goal contributions in 54 outings.

Charlton recently sacked manager Dean Holden, but despite potentially earning a fresh chance, the 28-year-old opted to hunt other opportunities with his Addicks contract set to expire next summer.

After the move was announced, Payne spoke to MK Don’s media team. He said: “I’m really glad to be here.

“When I heard about the interest, it was something that really interested me and I’m excited to get going.

“The lads have been doing really well, so I don’t expect to just arrive and go straight into the team but, obviously, I’m going to be doing my best in training, and when I get the chance, I’m going to give it my all to help this team continue to be successful.”

After making his professional debut for Southend United in 2013, London-born Payne has also played in the EFL for Huddersfield Town, Oxford United, Blackburn Rovers, Bradford City, and Lincoln City.

Payne spent two full seasons at the County Ground between 2020 and 2022, playing 88 times – the joint-most games for any one club alongside his early spell with Southend.

The attacking midfielder scored 18 goals and provided 13 assists before leaving for the Addicks at the expiration of his Town contract in 2022.

Payne’s move to Buckinghamshire should mean MK Dons are less likely to recall Kemp from his loan with Swindon – despite a superb start to the campaign – unless an agreeable bid is received for the 24-year-old’s services early in January.

Kemp has scored four goals and scooped three assists in five matches for the Robins so far, gaining him plenty of plaudits from fans and likely earning him a League Two player-of-the-month nomination alongside flatmate and teammate, Jake Young.

The positive start did cause pessimistic Town fans to wonder whether the exciting loan pair would be recalled early – potentially harming Swindon’s chances of a successful season – but manager Michael Flynn said ‘good faith’ tells him neither should return ahead of schedule.

Payne could feature against his former club on Saturday, October 28 when Swindon travel to Stadium MK – although Kemp will definitely not play against his parent club.