Richie Wellens: Salford City name Swindon Town boss as new manager
- Published
Richie Wellens previously managed in Greater Manchester when he led Oldham Athletic before he was sacked in June 2018
Salford City have named Swindon Town boss Richie Wellens as their new manager until the end of 2022-23.
Wellens, 40, led Swindon to promotion from League Two last term and previously managed Oldham Athletic.
Former Manchester United player and co-owner Paul Scholes had taken temporary charge after the League Two club sacked Graham Alexander on 12 October.
"It's a club that everybody takes great interest in because of the profile of the club," said Wellens.
"The club has had unbelievable success in the last six years. I'm looking forward to continuing that success.
"Promotions at this level are more difficult, but the rewards are greater and I believe in continuing that success as well as giving the club an identity and style that reflects the people of Salford."
Former Republic of Ireland striker Noel Hunt, 37, will take charge of Swindon as caretaker boss, pending the appointment of a permanent replacement for Wellens.
'His attacking philosophy is what we want'
Wellens, a former United trainee, had a brief spell with Salford prior to his retirement from playing in 2017.
"Richie is someone we know well from Manchester United and his previous spell here," said co-owner Gary Neville, another ex-United player.
"He has success at this level after winning the League Two title with Swindon Town last season, and his philosophy to play attacking football is what we want to bring fans at the Peninsula Stadium.
"His knowledge of the area and the club having played for ourselves and come through the youth ranks at Manchester United also fits in with the profile we were looking for."
Since the start of the 2020-21 season, Wellens has led Swindon to just three wins from eight matches, with the Robins 20th in League One.
His first game in charge of Salford will be their FA Cup first-round tie at home to Hartlepool United on Saturday.
Watch 13 first-round ties on iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app this weekend. Find out more here.
