SWINDON Town will not be entering a team in the reserves league this season, the Advertiser understands.

The Robins' second string finished fourth in the Totesport Combination – Wales & East Division last season, winning five of 12 fixtures.

A number of clubs in recent years have opted to pull out of their respective reserve leagues, critical of the quality of the opposition with many teams opting to play mainly youth players, rather than fringe first teamers.

Those who withdraw instead choose to arrange friendlies against Premier League sides such as Chelsea, Tottenham or Arsenal.

And, having played against the youthful sides of Forest Green Rovers, Exeter and Plymouth last season, Town look certain to pursue the same avenue of arranging friendly fixtures against teams in higher divisions.