Razor to sue Swindon

The cash-strapped Robins had hoped to agree a settlement package with Ruddock to cancel his contract so as to get him off the wage bill.

The 34-year-old was placed on the transfer list at the start of the season as the club looked to reduce their wage bill and ease their crippling debts.

Ruddock has rejected their offer of a settlement and is set to go to court in a bid to receive unpaid wages he claims he is owed.

Swindon chief executive Mark Devlin admitted talks had broken down between both parties and that a tribunal was set to decide the row.

"Negotiations have broken down, we've had a revised offer turned down by Neil Ruddock's advisers," said Devlin.

"It's a shame because we thought we were making some headway.

"We offered a six-figure sum which would have been paid by a third party and a game at the County Ground, with Neil keeping the tax-free receipts.

"With his contacts in the game we could have attracted a big crowd and he would have made a lot of money.

"Neil will take us to a tribunal in December to claim his loyalty fee and outstanding pay.

"I believe the tribunal would rule in his favour as our only argument is we think he has been unreasonable.

"So the worst case scenario will be that we lose the tribunal and the judge indicates we can't make the outstanding payments and winds the club up."