SWINDON Town have been fined by the Football Association after admitting they illegally approached Jermaine Hylton in January.

The striker, who at the time was registered at Southern League side Redditch United, joined the County Ground side on a two-and-a-half contract at the start of the year, which was revealed by the Swindon Advertiser.

However, the Worcestershire club complained to the FA over how Swindon went about pursuing Hylton.

At start of January, Town chairman Lee Power told Link Sport, now totalswindonsport.com: "Contrary to false reports and people jumping gun, he hasn't signed yet. We've put the seven-day approach in and we're hoping to complete the deal."

In the same interview, Power added: "We've spoken to the lad, he's very keen to come and we're very keen to have him..."

Town manager Mark Cooper said on January 3:  “We followed the procedure, we’ve put seven days in for the player and then after that we can try and sign him.

"We have put a seven days in for him, the official line of approach and then after that we can try and sign the player.

“We can’t do anything until the seven days is up, which I think is on Wednesday, then once we have done that then hopefully the player will be joining us.''

The governing body subsequently charged Swindon for speaking to the player before making a formal seven-day notice of approach.

The club admitted the charge and requested a non-personal hearing.

Following that hearing the FA have fined Swindon £1,000 and issued a severe warning over their future conduct.

Swindon Town have declined the opportunity to comment after being contacted by the Swindon Advertiser.

More to follow