SWINDON Town chairman Lee Power says that manager Luke Williams is happy with the size of the squad after a net loss of eight players in January.

The winter transfer policy appeared to backfire on Town on Tuesday night when they were only able to field one fit centre back and had six players on the bench at Port Vale, following injuries to Raphael Branco and Jordan Turnbull, as well as Nicky Ajose missing out with concussion.

However, Power said that Williams and his assistant Ross Embleton were keen to see the squad cut down in size to make it more manageable and create a ‘tight-knit group’.

“We spoke about it with Luke and he was happy to go along,” he told BBC Wiltshire.

“With Nathan (Thompson) being back now, it looked like we had cover and then wallop that (the injuries) happened and it is a bit of a shock for us really.

“When we sat down with Luke and with Ross and Seamus (Brady, sporting director) and asked him what he wanted and if he needed anything and they (said that they) would rather work with a smaller squad.

“There have been times throughout the season that there have been too many bodies and then something happens like tonight (Tuesday) where you haven’t got enough.

“It’s a juggling act and Luke and Ross were happy to go with what they have got and that is why we finished up where we did.

“You’ve got what you’ve got and we do the best we can with it. My main job is to look after the football club and make sure it is there for many years to come.”

Swindon were interested in a move for Exeter City striker Tom Nichols, who completed a deadline day move to Peterborough United for a fee thought to be in excess of £500,000 - a figure Power says was double their valuation.

Meanwhile, they did not pursue their interest in Southampton’s Jack Stephens, who joined Coventry City on loan, believing they had enough cover in defence.

Power was surprised to see Iraq midfielder stay at the County Ground, having had ‘heavy interest’ in the 24-year-old, but has said that the club have the option of extending his contract, which runs out in the summer, by another year.

“I was very confident that that deal was going to happen,” added Power, who also had to turn away late interest in Ajose.

“We were definitely gearing ourselves for losing Yaser and obviously it didn’t materialise on Monday and it looks like they have decided to take Fer (Leroy Fer, who joined Swansea on loan on deadline day) instead of Yaser.

“I know Yaser will be disappointed, any player would. Everyone wants to play in the Premier League.”