Swindon Town director of football Tim Sherwood absent from derby defeat

High-profile director of football Tim Sherwood was not in attendance at the County Ground as Swindon lost 2-1 to Oxford on derby day.

The ex-Tottenham and Aston Villa manager, who celebrates his 48th birthday today (Monday), is normally in charge of tactics, team selection and team talks on a matchday but those duties were given to head coach Luke Williams this weekend.

At full-time, in his post-match interview, Williams did not give a reason for Sherwood not being at the ground but he did confirm he did know there was one.

First of all he would confirm that on-pitch instructions were given by him as "that was (his) instruction.

"I do whatever I am asked to do for the best interest of the football club.

"I think it is difficult and unfair for me to answer the question (the whereabouts of Sherwood) - it is probably a question for Tim directly."

Since being appointed, Sherwood has never spoken to the local media, with the exception of his press conference that unveiled him. He has, however, taken part in a promotion for the Football Manager computer game.

Williams continued: "I don't ask questions as to why he is not here. I know there is a reason but it would be unfair for me to try and answer for him.

"I don't pry and I am sure if Tim was given the chance to speak to people why he was not here he (would) do."