Swindon Town look for more links with 'big clubs'

Fitton hopes links with top clubs will help them on the pitch

Swindon chairman Andrew Fitton is planning to forge relationships with "five or six" elite clubs in an effort to strengthen their playing ranks.

Agreements with top outfits like Celtic, Liverpool and Bolton have led to players such as Simon Ferry, Stephen Darby and Danny Ward joining on loan.

"Our objective is to have a constant dialogue with a few top-flight clubs," Fitton told BBC Wiltshire.

Manchester City are the latest side to link up with the Robins.

Swindon have managed to establish long-term loan deals this season by nurturing their contacts and proving that the County Ground can provide a happy home and valuable first-team experience for young players.

Fitton added: "What I want clubs like Man City to be able to do is to say, 'we know we can send one or two players to Swindon every year'. "

"They will know that we'll look after them rather than us having to go and beg, if you like, and say 'have you got a player for us?'

"Equally, they want us to get familiar with their squad. So I think there will be some interesting things coming out of Manchester City next season."

Fitton added that the link with Roberto Mancini's side came about through ex-Swindon and City player Mike Summerbee and Town manager Danny Wilson's friendship with their director of football Brian Marwood.