NEIL RUDDOCK was expected to be placed on the transfer list by Swindon Town today.

The Evening Advertiser has discovered that the move was discussed by the club's board of directors yesterday and that it was agreed the 34-year-old should be put up for sale.

Ruddock's position with the club has been a matter of almost constant speculation since the present board assumed control of the club in December last year.

The defender has hit the headlines for his weight and his wage packet rather than his football and Town officials have clearly decided enough is enough.

Numerous references have been made in recent months about the 'burden' of the player's wage and questions asked as to whether such a lucrative deal should have been offered at a time when the club was having its mini-buses repossessed

Whether Ruddock will agree to go quietly is open to question and only a month ago he said he was fully committed to seeing out the remainder of his two year contract.

He strongly rejected criticism that he was simply taking a huge sum home each week for very little effort.

"It hurts when people say that but all I did was sign a contract that I thought was a good deal for me and my family," he said.

However, despite reporting back a stone lighter, it seems he is still a long way short of the fitness levels demanded by manager Andy King.

He also faces a tough battle for a starting slot with Matt Heywood, Alan Reeves and Matt Heywood all ahead of him in the defensive 'queue'.

The club are desperate to get Ruddock off the wage bill although it is not a case of having to offload the former Liverpool and Tottenham man in order to keep the club financially afloat.

There is no doubt that Ruddock is a popular figure in the camp but his good humour comes at a price.

It is unclear whether the club will simply listen to offers for Ruddock or a way will be sought to try and reach a financial solution agreeable to both parties.

Andy King was unavailable for comment last night but it is thought he has been informed of the board's intentions.

A formal statement confirming the decision was expected from the County Ground later today.

SAM PARKIN'S transfer from Chelsea to Swindon Town had still not received Football League approval this morning.

However, chief executive Mark Devlin remains confident the formalities will be completed by close of business today and that Parkin will be clear to play in Town's Second Division game against Barnsley on Saturday.

He said: "I know it is frustrating for the player, Andy King and the supporters, but I don't forsee a major problem.

"The Football League have been tied up with the ITV Digital situation but I have stressed our desire to have this matter tied up as quickly as possible."

SEASON tickets were due to be posted out to fans yesterday afternoon. The club is confident they will drop through letter boxes in time for the clash with Barnsley on Saturday.