Former Swindon Town Forward Secures New Club
Former Swindon Town loanee Luke Jephcott has signed for Scottish side St Johnstone on a two year deal following his release from Championship side Plymouth Argyle, as announced on the club’s official website.
Jephcott, 23, linked up with The Robins on loan following a disappointing spell at Plymouth Argyle. It was widely reported at the time that Swindon had the intention to sign the player permanently, however the club opted not against offering the player a contract. Former manager Jody Morris opted to bench talisman Charlie Austin during his short spell at the club in favour of the loanee.
His contract with his parent club expired in June and it was announced that the League One Champions would not extend his stay at Home Park. The striker was linked to a host of League Two and National League clubs but has opted to make the move to Scottish football.
St Johnstone finished the first stage of the season in 9th, putting them in the relegation bracket for the second phase. They were able to secure their Premiership status for the 23/24 season finishing in third.
Speaking about the move to SaintsTV Jephcott expressed his delight:
“I’m really delighted to be here, I’m so happy to put pen to paper and I’m ready to get to work.
“It’s going to be a different challenge but it’s one I’m really looking forward to. It will be a really good test for me.
“I’m a player who loves to be in and around the box. Inside the penalty area I’ll score goals but can also drop a bit deeper to help link up play.
‘I’m here to score goals and help the team as best as I can.”
Swindon Town – What Went Wrong?
It was a signing full of promise but offered very little, despite finishing at play-off semi finalists the season prior the club failed to continue their form into the new season following the loss of key figures, Jack Payne, Harry McKirdy and manager Ben Garner. The campaign was rocked by changes with Scott Lindsey, Gavin Gunning and Jody Morris all taking charge of games. Jephcott, despite some promising moments often looked out of place and never got up to pace with the league. It’s no surprise that the club opted for a fresh approach under new manager Michael Flynn.
READ MORE: Swindon loan chats made Dons midfielder Kemp feel ‘wanted’
The Dons midfielder has struggled to make his mark since moving to the club from Leyton Orient in 2022
Dan Kemp said he felt wanted during his negotiations with Swindon Town boss Michael Flynn, prompting his loan move from MK Dons.
The 24-year-old joined up with the Robins earlier this week for his second cosecutive loan spell away from Stadium MK, following his stint at Hartlepool United in the latter half of last season.
While on loan with the Pools, he scored nine goals in 16 appearances but could not stop the side from suffering relegation to the National League.
In joining up with the Robins, Kemp said his conversations with Flynn gave him the right assurances that he was making the right decision is leaving Dons for a second time.
“There were a few reasons, but the manager was a massive factor in me joining the club,” Kemp said. “It’s so important to be somewhere you’re wanted, and I felt that from the first minute I was talking with the manager.
“We had a good chat about how he has played against me over the years, how he’s wanted to sign me before. But it was a massive factor being wanted somewhere.
“The philosophy of the club, their way of playing (was also a factor), I’ve always thought they are a really good side. So there are loads of factors, and I felt like this is the right move for this stage of my career.”
