Wellens admits lack of fitness cost Town victory

RICHIE WELLENS believes that Swindon's lack of energy was the key reason for failing to secure all three points in yesterday’s 1-1 draw with Plymouth Argyle. Total Sport Swindon's Rajan Hothi got the thoughts of the Town manager following the result.

Eoin Doyle's clever finish put Swindon one-nil up on the stroke of half-time, but a second-half strike from Joel Grant rescued a point for the Pilgrims in an entertaining clash.

Speaking after the game, Wellens revealed that Town’s faltering energy levels was the main reason for not taking the win in front of a packed County Ground crowd. 

"We showed fight and spirit and sometimes in the circumstances we're in, that's all you can do," stated Wellens.

"It was a great game. Both sets of fans were brilliant, but the reason we haven't got three points is simply because of energy.

"You could see a difference between Tuesday and today. With our shape, they couldn't play through us in the first-half and we was organised and looked a threat.

"When you're in a bit of a rut the important thing to do is to stay organised and we've done that today,” he added. 

Having taken a deserved lead on the cusp of half-time, Swindon sat very deep in the second-half as they looked to grind out a result. 

However, Ryan Lowe’s Plymouth made Town pay with an equaliser late in the second-half splitting the spoils. But Wellens insisted that it was never the intention to sit back and defend deep.

"We never want to sit deep, especially against a team that want to pass the ball," said Wellens.

"There was no intent on sitting deep, but when Baudry hasn't played in a few weeks and, Zakuani has played three times in a week after not playing for five months, and Donohue who has had one match since March, the energy disappeared from us,” he said. 

Midfielder Dion Donohue was announced as Town's newest arrival just over an hour before kick-off, and Wellens explained why he pulled the trigger on the 26-year-old admitting that recent injuries have forced the club to dip into the free-agent market. 

"With Zeki Fryers injured and Ellis (Iandolo) struggling, who else would I have played at left-back?” said Wellens.

"I tried to get him in the summer, but he cost too much money and went to Mansfield instead. I think you can see he is a very accomplished footballer.

"He's had a disappointment in his career so let's give him a place to play.
 
“His fitness will improve, but I think you can see his quality on the ball. He's got a brilliant left foot so I'm happy to have him,” he added. 

Injuries have forced Wellens to consistently change his starting XI in recent weeks, and the Town manager admits that the constant altering of a side is the hardest job a manager has. 

"It's the hardest thing for a manager. When you pick up three injuries one week, and then two the week after, it's very hard," revealed Wellens.

"I just hope some of the other teams in this league suffer the same as we have." 

Swindon's next test will be away to top of the league Crewe who are currently on a six-game unbeaten run.