Swindon Town have signed Mansfield Town forward Tom Nichols on loan until the end of the season.

The 31-year-old has played more than 500 games for clubs including Exeter City, Bristol Rovers, Peterborough United, Gillingham and Crawley Town.

He moved to Mansfield a year ago for an undisclosed fee from Gillingham and has scored three goals in 26 appearances.

Nichols, who has not played since the end of October, joins a Swindon side one place and four points above the League Two relegation zone.

“I’ve not played many games lately and I just can’t wait to get back playing – and playing for points,” Nichols told the Swindon Town website., external

“I know results haven’t been amazing this season – but it’s a very big club and a big fanbase and I’ve always kept an eye on what Swindon are doing.

“As soon as they said they were interested, it was a no-brainer for me to come and join the club.”

Robins manager Ian Holloway added: “I’ve been a Tom Nichols fan for years. I’ve tried to sign him three different times for three different clubs.

“He links play, he’s got a fantastic football brain. He’s never beaten at all in his life, he always fights.”