SWINDON interim chairman Jeremy Wray has welcomed the arrival of Lee Holmes on loan until the end of the season, and hinted that his arrival could be turned into something more long term.

Southampton winger Holmes spurned the chance to extend his temporary spell at local rivals Oxford United to join Town, tempted by the prospect of a Wembley appearance and championship winners’ medal.

The 24-year-old, who spent three months at the County Ground seven years ago while on the books of Derby, completed a medical at the club yesterday and should be available for selection for Saturday’s trip to Crewe.

Holmes is out of contract at the end of the season and Wray confirmed that he has been brought to Wiltshire with one eye already on assembling a side capable of challenging for promotion again in League One next season.

“This signing is for both the short term and the long term,” Wray told the Advertiser. “His contract is up in the summer and he is the kind of player who will be good to have in a League One challenge.

“The loan is an opportunity for us to take things forward. With Southampton looking like they are going into the Premier League it is probably difficult for him to be in their plans and anybody would be keen to join something successful.

“At this stage, we want to make sure we bring in players who can slot straight in going forward.”

League Two Player of the Year Matt Ritchie has played 45 games for Town this season and Wray suggested that Holmes’ arrival could give the former Portsmouth winger the chance of a well-deserved rest.

However, Wray was keen to stress that any long-term deal for Holmes would not be a precursor to Ritchie being sold on in the summer.

“Matt has not had a rest this season and so Lee is an option there,” he added. “Our main threat is from the wings and Lee will certainly add to that.

“He is absolutely not coming in as a replacement for Ritchie though, who is here for the long term.”