TOWN youth team boss Paul Bodin has warned the club's new professionals not to become part of football's 'wash bag' culture, after four of his players signed County Ground deals.

Goalkeeper Mark Scott, full-back Nathan Thompson, and midfielders Kurt Hammonds and Lloyd Macklin have all been handed pro contracts in the wake of Swindon's Under 18 team winning the Puma Youth Alliance South West division.

Andy Westall has also been given a short-term dealfollowing an injury-hit season.

But Town legend Bodin insists only hours of dedication and hard graft will see them become established members of the club's first team squad.

“It is great news for the boys and we were delighted to give them the contracts,” he admitted.

“They fully deserve them and we believe they can all go on to be very good players for Swindon.

“But they are by no means the finished article. I explained to them that even though they have been given pro deals they are still learning.

“It doesn't mean they can just put a toiletry bag under their arm and walk around like a first team player. They should be staying behind after training's finished to keep learning and developing.

“The second, third and fourth contracts are the ones where you can start to think you are establishing yourself a bit.”

But while the quartet were receiving good news from Bodin and centre of excellence director Jeremy Newton last week, there were contrasting emotions for Danny Wallington, Jamie Taylor and Jack Winter, who have all been released from the club.

“It was quite a traumatic week last week because we had to do our release and retains on the back of winning the league,” revealed Bodin.

“They have completed their two-year programmes and are fantastic lads, but the club has to look for players who can possibly play for the first team in the near future.

“I said to the lads that they have done brilliantly. They have won the league championship, achieved a Level Two coaching badge and an academic qualification as well, so there is a lot going for them. There are exit trials in May at Brentford and we will recommend the boys take part in them.

“Hopefully they will remain in football. With the way the climate is, it's tough.

“But they need an opportunity and then have to try to take it when one comes along.”