THE race to become the next manager of Swindon Town took an intriguing twist yesterday, as punters put their money on Paul Hartley and Glenn Hoddle getting the job at the County Ground.

Tottenham coach Les Ferdinand was previously the bookmakers’ favourite to land the position, and his links to Swindon director Lee Power through Spurs’ head of youth development Tim Sherwood and the fact Town had recently considered a move to make him director of football gave substance to the speculation.

Hoddle also appears to be a logical option. The ex-England boss is looking for a return to management and has previously had lengthy discussions with the club regarding a return, and rumours were rife in the footballing community yesterday that he had submitted an application to the Robins.

However, Swindon chairman Jed McCrory told the Advertiser last night that Hoddle was not under consideration and that an appointment was unlikely to be made this week.

Regardless, some have taken the risk of plumping for Alloa boss Hartley to be the next man to sit in the Swindon Town hotseat.

The former Celtic forward is highly regarded in the game but it is believed that McCrory and the Town board are looking at appointing one of those individuals previously considered for the role prior to Kevin MacDonald’s appointment in March.

Meanwhile, caretaker boss Mark Cooper yesterday confirmed to the Advertiser that Tijane Reis, the Portuguese winger signed two weeks ago, is still awaiting international clearance before he can don the red shirt of the Robins.

Cooper said: “It can be anything up to 28 days, we’re just counting on 28 days – anything else is a bonus.”

Cooper also reiterated that Harry Agombar, who was an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw with Tottenham at the County Ground last night, has signed a contract at the County Ground – which is believed to be a one-year deal.

He said: “He’s a signed, contracted player. He’ll featuring tomorrow. He’s technically a good footballer. To be able to play for us now you’ve got to be able to handle a football with the way we’re going to play and he can do that.”

Luke Rooney and Paul Benson were not included in the Town squad yesterday but Cooper suggested that they would return to feature against Birmingham this evening.