Milton Keynes Dons are set to recall Dan Kemp from his loan spell at Swindon Town, confirms head coach Mike Williamson.
Williamson, speaking to reporters after the Dons' 3-0 loss on the road to Doncaster Rovers, confirmed that Kemp would be recalled from Swindon, ending a long period of speculation around him.
Kemp has not played for the Dons since 22nd November 2022, a 3-1 win over Newport County in the second round of the then-named Papa John's Trophy, when Liam Manning was still in charge of the side.
Since then, he has had two exceptionally successful loan spells in League Two with Hartlepool United and Swindon Town respectively. In 16 appearances for the Pools last season, Kemp netted nine goals and provided two helpers, but was unable to prevent the club from suffering relegation into the National League.
Fast forward to the summer and many wondered if his impressive form in the fourth tier would persuade then-head coach Graham Alexander to keep him around at Stadium MK, but Kemp was again loaned out and has again impressed at this level.
In 25 league appearances, Kemp has 22 goal contributions, with 14 of his own to go with eight assists, while adding a further two goals in two cup appearances.
This kind of form has made the Dons take notice, and Williamson, who will be a completely new face for Kemp at Stadium MK, has confirmed the 24-year-old will return to the club.
Once Kemp returns, however, a serious decision will need to be made. Do the Dons keep Kemp around to help with their promotion push, or do they look to cash in on a player in hot form who is also on an expiring contract?
The Dons have had an impressive turnaround in fortunes since Williamson and his backroom staff were hired, with seven wins and two draws sandwiched between just two losses through his first 11 fixtures in charge after moving from Gateshead back in October.
Having Kemp's penchant for scoring and providing in League Two would be a valuable addition to the side, without the need to pay more than the salaries he is already earning. It would give Williamson and co a new weapon to utilise, and truly terrify opposing defences, many of whom he has already put to the sword for Swindon.
However, once he pulls on a Dons shirt that means he is now only eligible to play for them or Swindon for the rest of the season, which in itself presents somewhat of a gamble.
Should Kemp play for the Dons, but struggle to have the same impact as he has away from Stadium MK, the club may decide it's better to cash in early rather than let him go for nothing in the summer.
However, if that happens then the only club that could buy him and play him this year is Swindon, which would seriously limit their negotiating power.
The Dons don't have another league fixture until 13th January, against Tranmere Rovers, so a decision on what to do with Kemp should be clear by then, as the club could have plenty of other suitors vying for his signature before he even has a chance to play for them.
However, if the club is serious about pushing for promotion, giving Kemp a genuine chance to play in Williamson's new attacking structure and succeed may very well be the best thing for both the club and the player moving forward.
