Rufus Brevett has called for the speculation to stop and the focus to be put back on the pitch at Swindon Town.

The newly installed sporting director at the County Ground said the new owners are fed up with constant speculation surrounding manager Paul Sturrock's future.

The Scot was due to have dinner with future chairman Jim Little last night and one topic of conversation was likely to be new general manager Jose Veiga.

The former Benfica man arrived at SN1 on Monday, leaving a question mark over how he, Sturrock and Brevett could work together.

But the 37-year-old insists the Town manager will have a big part to play in the club's future.

"He has the board's backing 100 per cent, when change happens speculation like this is inevitable," he said.

"Whatever is on the back pages are on the back pages, we cannot help that but we have to stay focused.

"There is a job to be done at Swindon and Paul Sturrock is a big part of it. If that is what the fans want to know, we can assure them."

Brevett is also unconcerned with possible fan discomfort that a former Oxford United defender was having a huge say in running the Robins. "I've never thought about it, but if they have got an issue with it, that's their problem," said Brevett, who also had stints at QPR, Fulham and West Ham.

He said money will be available to Sturrock, should he want to strengthen in January -a sign Brevett believes the Scot will still be at the County Ground. He said: "I am sure there will be some available if Paul feels he needs something."

Little also added he feels, come January, Veiga's talents will be put to use.

He said: "I don't think we will get to see the best of Jose until then when we get the chance to use his amazing contacts."