Wellens: Sign your contracts or get out

RICHIE WELLENS has issued a contract ultimatum to players of the club stating that those offered new contracts either sign their deals this week or leave the club this summer.

Speaking at the weekend, the Swindon Town manager issued a warning to players who are yet to commit their future to the club with it being revealed that both Kyle Knoyle and Dion Conroy have already been offered new contracts.

“I’ve offered two or three players contracts and if they're not signed this week then they can leave,” said Wellens.

“I’ll speak to them personally and give them a deadline of when they need to sign the contract.

“If they want to sign it then they can but if not then we’ll move on. 

“I want players here who want to be here and you can see that some of the players here don’t want to be at the club,” he said.

Having enjoyed a fruitful playing career, Wellens is no stranger to contract standoffs. But the STFC boss stressed that the club will not be used as a ‘shop’ for certain individuals to showcase their talents who are looking for a move elsewhere. 

“Kyle Knoyle and Dion Conroy are the only two to be offered new contracts as of yet,” said the manager.

“We’ve been speaking to certain players verbally but nothing concrete yet.

“Earning trust from a manager is very hard to get and very quickly lost and I don’t want people who don’t want to be here” he added. 

“We’re not a shop and I feel as though we are being used by some players.

“I want decisions from players on contracts as soon as possible. There are some really good players in this team but I’ll be looking to bring in players who can improve us,” said Wellens.

Wellens also gave an update on the situations surrounding the team’s loan players with six loanee signings currently occupying the books of Swindon Town. Angered by the 1-2 defeat by Crewe at the weekend, the 39-year-old stated that certain loan signings have lost interest. 

“Some of the loan players you can see are only bothered about getting back to their parent club,” said Wellens.

“I didn’t want the season to end like this but we need a big clear out of players and I’m not sugar coating things anymore.

“The next two games will sort out whether any of the other lads get offered contracts or not,” he added.