SWINDON Town’s ties with League of Ireland side Waterford United have been further strengthened after the Blues’ new director of football, Pat Fenlon, watched a Town development side fall to defeat to Bristol Rovers yesterday.

The Irishman was joined in the stands by Swindon’s own director of football, Tim Sherwood, as well as sporting director Seamus Brady as Town lost 2-1.

Fenlon was appointed to his current role at Waterford earlier this month following Swindon chairman Lee Power's takeover of the League of Ireland First Division club last November.

While those at Swindon have been adamant that the two clubs are completely separate, refusing to comment on Fenlon’s appearance at the Webbswood Stadium yesterday when approached by the Adver, Power has previously indicated that a link could happen between the two sides should it prove to be mutually beneficial.

Although Sherwood, who has rebuffed requests for interviews from the local media, was not in the dugout with Ross Embleton, the former Aston Villa manager could not resist handing out advice from the stand to the Town players.

First-team coach Embleton cannot fault the 47-year-old’s passion as he continues to scour the market for further additions to the squad before the transfer window closes on January 31.

“Training was changed around in order for Tim to be in training and be able to come and see the game,” said Embleton.

“It shows that he has got a real interest in the development of the players at the club and how they progress and if they are going to be up for selection for the first team.

“Then, at the same time, we’ve got to make sure that everybody, including myself and Luke (Williams), that we take from Tim’s experiences and it helps everybody to develop.”