AS football transfer fees and wage bills continue to spiral out of control, teams in the game's lower leagues are finding it an increasing struggle to keep up.

Without the millions available to snare the Shevchenko's or Henry's of this world, the country's less glamorous sides are relying on home-grown youngsters more than ever.

A fact that has not been lost on Mark Devlin and, after announcing the appointment of David Tuttle as the new of Head of Youth at the County Ground, the chief executive stressed the importance the role has.

Since Ian Woan took on the position as manager of Swindon's youth set-up back in September 2004, no less than eight players have progressed into the professional ranks and now, with Tuttle on board, he is looking for even more contribution from the Town's youngsters.

He said: "I think for teams in our situation, the youth is becoming more and more important.

"We don't have millions of pounds to go out and spend on new players and so if we can get players from our academies to progress into the first team then all the better.

"We will be looking for these kids to progress all the way into the first-team and David has been brought in to look at the best way of doing that.

"He will oversee the whole youth set-up, from the centre of excellence to the under 18's and under 16's.

"We want to ensure we are the best we can be, as professional as we can be and are looking for ways to improve on the good work that has already been done."

Tuttle, 34, became the youngest manager in the Championship when he took charge at Millwall in December 2005 with Colin Lee as director of football.

After failing to prevent their relegation he left the post by mutual consent and is now returning to a similar role he held at Millwall before stepping up as manager.

An ankle injury forced Tuttle to retire from his playing career just a couple of seasons ago and immediately stepped into a coaching position at the New Den.

When Wise became manager at the London club, Tuttle was retained and helped Wise carry out his ideas on improving the youth set-up, obviously impressing Town's new man at the helm.

Devlin said: "Dennis Wise knows him well from his time at Millwall and was impressed with his qualities.

"Dennis believes the youth is very important and we believe David Tuttle will help us achieve our goals."

As a player Tuttle enjoyed spells at Spurs, Sheffield United, Crystal Palace and Barnsley.

  • IAN Woan admits his future at the County Ground is shrouded in uncertainty after the arrival of Tuttle as Swindon's new Head of Youth.

Woan , the previous holder of the role, is due to meet his successor in the next few days to discuss whether there is still a place for him at the club.

He said: "Everything is up in the air. In my time here we have won a cup and had eight players progress into the pro ranks and believe we have done a good job.

"It is a frustrating time because I am already planning for next season but now I don't know whether I will still be here, I guess that is part and parcel of the job though.

"We know we have done a good job and would love the chance to carry that on."