Don't believe the hype says Wellens as Salford rumours loom

RICHIE WELLENS has urged Swindon Town supporters to not believe the gossip as rumours circulate that he could be lined up to take the vacant Salford City job. Speaking to Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker earlier today, the STFC manager insisted he has already proven his loyalty to Swindon.

After League Two Salford City announced the sacking of manager Graham Alexander on Monday, rumours as to who his replacement could be started to spin, with the club's part-owner and Manchester United legend Paul Scholes stepping into the vacant role on an interim basis. 

Born in Manchester and currently residing in his home city, Richie Wellens was one of the first names to be linked with the job, with betting companies backing Wellens on odds of 20/1, behind the likes of Roy Keane and Warren Joyce. 

Speaking at this afternoons press conference ahead of Swindon’s upcoming League One home fixture against Sunderland at the weekend, Wellens gave an update on his position at SN1.

“I’ve proved my loyalty to Swindon in the past so I don’t think I need to prove any kind of loyalty,” said the Swindon Town manager.

“Salford City is a football club owned by a group of people that I watched growing up as a Manchester United fan.

“They back their managers unbelievably and whoever goes into that position will have an opportunity to do well because they will be given the finances and backing to be successful,” he added.

“As a manager you just want to be given a chance. What you don’t want is to be going up against people who have been given a chance, when you haven’t been given a chance. 

“I don’t think my loyalty to this club should ever be put in question. 

“What I will say is it is a fantastic job for anyone who goes in at Salford. 

“The betting markets are very volatile so take no notice of them,” he said. 

Having taken Swindon Town from the desperate pits of lower table League Two to division champions in two seasons, the 40-year-old will be hot property for a host of clubs without managers. But for the meantime at least, it looks as if Wellens is committed to taking STFC to the Championship.