Swindon Town forward Jake Tabor has joined Eastleigh on loan until the end of the season, after an administrative error caused a planned move elsewhere to collapse.
The 22-year-old had only just linked up with Bath City on what was intended to be a season-long loan. However, an issue at the National League South club meant the deal could not be completed as planned, forcing Swindon to reassess and quickly seek an alternative destination.
With Tabor having already featured for two clubs this season, his eligibility was carefully considered. As neither stint fell within the EFL, the move remained permissible, allowing Swindon to pivot and finalise a switch to Eastleigh for the remainder of the campaign.
The Spitfires, who sit 17th in the National League and just three points clear of the bottom four, moved swiftly to take advantage of the situation. The loan bolsters Scott Bartlett’s attacking options at a key stage of the season, with Eastleigh keen to add depth and energy in the final third.
Speaking after completing the move, Tabor said:
“I’m delighted to join this club. I just want to get regular minutes and show what I can do during my loan spell here.
I’ve settled in well, and the other lads have helped me to do that. I’m excited to get started, and I look forward to meeting the supporters!”
Tabor joins an attacking group that includes Aaron Blair, Harvey Saunders, Sam Pearson and Barney Stone, with Blair having already scored 11 goals this season. Eastleigh will be hoping the added competition can provide a lift as they look to pull further clear of trouble.
Holloway said:
“He’s part of us, but I need to build him, whether he needs some extra games or not to help that happen, I am not sure.
He’s done ever so well coming off the bench. All he needs to do is score, because his work rate is totally and utterly what I love about him.
I think he’s got a damn sight more skill than has actually come off for him at the moment, but he’s well on the way to becoming who I want him to be.”
From Swindon’s perspective, the move aligns with Ian Holloway’s long-term view of the player. The Town boss has repeatedly highlighted Tabor’s work rate, attitude and untapped potential, while also acknowledging that additional senior minutes are key to converting promising performances into a tangible end product.
For Eastleigh, the loan represents an opportunistic piece of business born from another club’s administrative setback. For Swindon, it ensures a young forward continues his progression in a competitive environment, despite the initial plan falling through.