BEN Gladwin is grateful to Swindon Town for giving him the first team football he needs to continue his development.

The 23-year-old starred on his return to the County Ground on Saturday, albeit he could not completely turn around the team’s fortunes as Town slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Peterborough. Although Gladwin’s return did not get off to a winning start, they did put in an improved display, justifying the midfielder’s decision to come back.

At QPR, Gladwin had found himself on the fringes of a star-studded squad and after being omitted from the matchday 18 for the Hoops’ 4-3 win over Bolton, he decided to seek some more regular football on a temporary basis.

Having made his name with Swindon and the distance not being too arduous from his new London base, a return to Wiltshire was an obvious choice.

The deal was done quickly and benefits both parties, especially given Town’s paucity of numbers.

Gladwin expressed his gratitude to Swindon for having him and promised to give his all for the remainder of his loan spell.

“The club have done a lot for me and it was really good of them to have me back on loan and I will do my best for them in the time I’m here,” he said.

“I started off the season playing, but then I got a few little niggles and I’ve been in and out, not playing the football that I really need.

“Last weekend, I wasn’t in the squad (for QPR), which was obviously disappointing. I had a chat with my agent and Les Ferdinand (QPR director of football). We all agreed it would be good for me to go out and play football.

“I think QPR understand coming here and playing some football is crucial for my development.

“I still know a few of the boys, the manager (Mark Cooper) and Luke (Williams), so it was an easy transition for me just to come straight in and play.

“Swindon was an easy one to come straight back in as long as they were willing to have me, which worked out.”