WELLENS: More players needed to challenge for playoffs

RICHIE WELLENS believes four more players need to come through the door at Swindon Town for the Robins to challenge for League One promotion in the upcoming season. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker spoke to the STFC manager yesterday.

An active transfer window has seen Swindon Town sign seven players so far on a mixture of permanent and loan deals. But despite recent additions, Wellens explained that more bodies are needed if Swindon wants to aim for back-to-back promotions, however, admitted more money needs to be freed up first.

“I’ve had conversations with a couple of players to let them know that they can find a new club,” said Wellens.

“I still think we need four players in which means we need a couple out as well. 

“That doesn’t just mean young lads, we need to free up some money by getting rid of some of our bigger earners who aren’t going to play much,” he added.

“Because of the salary cap and the way it is, that’s what has to be done. 

“I’ll keep it private with the players I’ve spoken to and we will just wait to see what clubs show interest.

“We want to go for the playoffs this year, but we need to get the correct bodies in which will then determine what chances of the playoffs we’ve got,” said Wellens.

“We are definitely going to sign a midfield player with Jordan Lyden out for up to six weeks.

“I need someone with presence, with power, and who can play box-to-box chipping in with a few goals. 

“I still think we need a centre-back and I would like to add another attacker to the group as well,” he said.

Goals were easy to come by for Swindon as they stormed to the title in League Two last season. But having lost the majority of his title-winning attack over the summer, Wellens admits that time will be needed for his new crop to develop an understanding.

“We’re stepping up a level and my remit was to keep as many players as possible from last years group,” explained Wellens.

“But if you look at my whole attacking department I’ve lost a lot of bodies. 

“We had that understanding between players last year and now we need to work to make sure our attacking players have that understanding between them this season. 

“I’d like to sort things sooner rather than later,” he added.
Leading Swindon into League One will mark the second time in his managerial career that Wellens has managed a third division club after being in charge of Oldham previously. 

But despite the challenges that come with playing in a higher tier of football, Wellens is adamant that Swindon Town will not change their style.

“I don’t want to stand still as a manager,” said Wellens.

“I want to implement my style on the opposition and that can be difficult at times. 

“I think we are only 2 or 3 players away from being really competitive this year,” he added.

“I won’t change my style and you need to get players in that buy into a managers style. 

“I will make tactical changes at times but the identity of our football will stay the same,” said Wellens.