Salford split from manager Richie Wellens just over a week after winning the Papa John’s Trophy. The League Two club didn’t appoint the 40-year-old until early November, but a run of four games without a win in the division has proven his undoing.
An official statement from the club reads: “Salford City Football Club has separated from Richie Wellens by mutual agreement. We would like to thank Richie for his time and commitment to the club and wish him all the best for the future. An announcement about one new manager will be made. ” to be made in due course. There will be no further comment. “
Graham Alexander was sacked in October and replaced by Wellens, who left League One Swindon to join the Greater Manchester Club.
The club is owned by Manchester United Class of 92 members including Gary and Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and David Beckham. In the past few weeks, Salford’s hopes for promotion have waned. City remains ninth in the table, but only six points ahead of Newport, who finished last in the playoffs.
Nine days ago, Wellens led Salford to a penalty shoot-out against Portsmouth in the belated final of last season’s Papa John’s Trophy. Her reign lasted a day before Sunderland won this season’s Cup. This Wembley triumph was followed by a home game against Colchester and a 2-0 defeat at Cheltenham on Saturday, paving the way for a change in the field.
PA