Wellens praises Town's professionalism as Notts County relegated

RICHIE WELLENS praised the professionalism of his Swindon Town players in their season-ending 3-1 win over Notts County earlier today at the County Ground but insisted the side must improve next season. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker got the thoughts of the manager following the game.

The final day of the football season often brings with it season-defining matches and today was just such an occasion as Swindon’s victory relegated Notts County from the English footballing league. 

And when speaking following the match, Wellens admitted that it was a strange game to take part in.

“There was a weird feel to the game because you’re hearing cheers from the Notts County lads knowing that Macclesfield have gone behind and that’s not an easy situation,” said Wellens.

“The last three weeks have not been easy for us but I sensed during the week our training sessions went really well and that we’d have a good performance today.

“I spoke to the lads then and when we did that lap of the pitch to respect our supporter I watched the player's body language,” he added. 

“They were 20 yards away from the sideline because they didn’t want to get so close to the supporters. 

“That’s because there is a tinge of disappointment as to where we finished the season as a whole.

“When you’ve won something you go right up to the supporters because you feel brave and are proud of what you’ve done. 

“I said to them next season lets have a good go and next year do a lap of honour closer to the supporters proud of what we’ve achieved,” Wellens said. 

With the playoffs out of reach, Swindon Town had very little to play for against an opposition fighting for their survival. But after coming from a goal down to score three goals, Wellens outlined how impressed he was with his player's professionalism.

“I think our professionalism was very good today,” stated Wellens. 

“When our supporters cheered we knew that Cambridge had equalised and that gave our supporters a lift which then lifted the players.

“I have to say that the Notts County fans were magnificent, they didn’t once get in their players back.

“The noise from our supporters lifted the players and we increased in confidence knowing that Cambridge had scored,” he added. 

“We took control of the game then. We had more energy, had more life, and looked a threat every time we attacked.

“Today was a professional performance,” he said. 

The final day of the season also marked the end of Matty Taylor’s professional football career as the 37-year-old announced his retirement after 20 years and over 600 appearances. 

And Richie Wellens spoke of his delight at being able to give the seasoned veteran his final outing.

“It happened earlier than when I wanted to do it [bringing Taylor on],” said Wellens.

“I always had it planned to give him some game time because I have a lot of respect for him and the career he has had and we should honour that.

“I didn’t plan to have to bring him on in central midfield and I’m a bit disappointed he didn’t score from that free-kick because that would have been the icing on the cake for him,” he added.