Wellens demands more players are signed as Swindon suffer cup defeat

RICHIE WELLENS has issued a rallying call for support and demanded that Swindon Town sign more players as the 20/21 League One season prepares to kick-off this weekend. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker spoke to the Swindon manager following tonight’s EFL Trophy defeat against West Brom.

A difficult defeat to take against an inexperienced West Brom U21 team this evening showed the improvements that must be made if Swindon are to be competitive in League One next season, and Wellens pulled no punches when speaking after the game as the manager made it clear that he needs new players. 

“We need players in. We just need players,” stated Wellens. 

“We have won promotion here and we want to start the season on a high. Tonight you saw the underbelly of the squad and it wasn’t great. 

“We need a centre-back in asap, we need two midfield players and probably another attacking player in,” he added. 

"We need bodies in and I don’t know why we have waited so long to get players in. 

“I spoke to the players before tonight’s game and told them there are places up for grabs but not many shone tonight,” said Wellens.

A lack of funding in the transfer market has seen Swindon’s League Two title-winning team dismantled, something that Wellens was keen to point out when asked about new signings coming into the club.

“I’ve told them what players I want to bring in to this club,” said Wellens.

“Kaiyne Woolery is sat at home doing nothing and I want to sign him. Read into that what you want.

“What I don’t want is in three or four weeks time when the window is shut being told that I can sign this player and that player because that’s already four or five games gone,” he added.

“We need help. I’ve said it for the last three weeks and to be honest I’m getting tired of it. 

“We’re probably the only squad that hasn’t kept the majority of a promotion squad, that has allowed players to go, and then are slow in getting replacements. 

“As you can sense, I’m not happy,” said Wellens.

Having won promotion from League One as a player with Doncaster Rovers, Wellens has the understanding of what is needed to take Swindon Town to the Championship. 

But despite wanting to lift spirits as the new season approaches, the Swindon Town manager admitted that the playoffs aren’t possible unless new players are signed. 

“I know exactly what it takes to get promoted from League One because I’ve done it as a player,” said Wellens.

“Our current won’t win promotion from League One, no chance. With three or four new bodies in, then we might have an opportunity to. 

“League One is a strong league. Sunderland finished outside the playoffs and they had a £14 million budget. 

“So you need a squad to compete, and the players in the dressing room need a pick me up by seeing some new people come in,” he added.