Doncaster Rovers unveil their new manager on a one year deal, coming in for the departed Darren Moore who left for Sheffield Wednesday.
Moore departed the Keepmoat Stadium after 19 months in charge and with Donny sitting sixth in the League One table on the 1st of March, before the club ended up finishing 14th.
According to reports, Stephen Robinson (left Motherwell in 2020) and John Eustace (currently coach at QPR) were the other names in the final three on a shortlist, but instead the South Yorkshire outfit went for Richie Wellens.
🔴⚪ 𝓦𝓮𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓼 𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴
We are delighted to announce Richie Wellens as our new first-team manager!https://t.co/QAgrcUvkC4#WellensAnnounced | #DRFC pic.twitter.com/wEtvrvASMC
— Doncaster Rovers FC (@drfc_official) May 17, 2021
CLUB STATEMENT:
Former Rovers midfielder Richie Wellens has been appointed as the club’s new first-team manager.
Wellens returns to the Keepmoat Stadium following 199 appearances in a red and white shirt across two spells during his playing days.
Since hanging his boots up, the 41-year-old has spent time in charge of Oldham Athletic, Swindon Town and more recently Salford City.
He guided Swindon to the Sky Bet League Two title in the 2019/20 campaign, before winning the Papa John’s Trophy with Salford last season.
Chief executive Gavin Baldwin said: “Having gone through a lengthy process and interviewed potential candidates, the board came to a unanimous decision that Richie was the right man to lead the club forward.
“He knows what this club is about and speaking to him it is clear to see his drive and determination to be successful as our manager.
“I’m sure our fans will join me in welcoming Richie back to Doncaster Rovers for a third spell, and give him their full support.”
– STATEMENT ENDS –
The Free Press understands Wellens will be assisted by former Republic of Ireland international striker Noel Hunt, who was his assistant in his previous job at Salford City.
Wellens began his playing career at Manchester United before signing for Blackpool in 2000, where he went on to win promotion from League Two via the playoffs in 2001.
In 2005, he left them to move to Oldham Athletic where he made 87 appearances in two seasons at the club.
After his spell at Oldham, Wellens made his successful move to Doncaster Rovers in the summer of 2007 where he became a fans’ favorite, helping the club rise into the Championship for the first time in 50 years.
His time at Doncaster came to an end in 2009 after he had helped the club to consolidate their Championship position as he moved to Leicester City.
In his time in the Midlands, Wellens made 129 appearances, scoring four goals, and winning the club’s Player of the Year in 2011.
After a short loan spell with Ipswich Town, Wellens rejoined Doncaster in 2013.
Wellens’ first role in management came when he joined Oldham Athletic as first team manager from September 2017 to June 2018 when Wellens was sacked following the club’s relegation to League Two.
Wellens then took over the vacant managerial position at Swindon Town in the summer of 2018 where he led the club to win the 19–20 League Two title on PPG during the pandemic.
Fans reacted as Doncaster Rovers unveil their new manager on a one year deal…
Welcome back Richie! pic.twitter.com/TIIwtVeXft
— Oliver Fardell (@OliverFardell) May 17, 2021
— lloyd (@lloyd_aisthorpe) May 17, 2021
@joshua35833596: Absolute brilliant appointment, hell get you playing good attacking football, good luck Richie, would be surprised if your not top 6 next season
@DrfcMike: Good appointment Clapping hands sign
@bendrfcsmith97: Let’s be avin ya
@Winterangel33: Finally
@CoventryViking: Richie Wellens Barmy Army! ⚪🔴⚪🔴
@Dannyhall07: Let’s get behind him and board and push for next season. Up the Donny
@OOCSwindonTown: All the best Richie hopefully Donny have a good season.
@Callumlmartin: Welcome home Richie 🔴⚪️ #DRFC
@adam_elwis: There’s only one RICHIE WELLENS #drfc
@nathancole09: Very odd choice as manager
@18Dapper: Welcome back @RichieWe11ens – Huge job on like but looking forward to what the future holds.
@owen_clarke7: i can smell the championship from here
@ryanjd52: Best go and get Jackett now… #LOFC
@tombiltcliffe: Despite reported interest from other clubs, Rovers have their man. Another chapter in a 14 year association with #DRFC
@TomStirk1992: He ain’t coming here then #bcafc
@joedrfcbaker200: H.M.S piss the league
@BigBenjani: Now back him!! Don’t give him 7 loans. Give him the finances to build a squad for the next 2/3 years not just one year! #drfc
@marcuspacey: Let’s hope the board and fans get behind him!! You reds!! #drfc
@DanAuton2590: Were in for him but his heart was always set on Doncaster, fair enough, next. #lofc
@c_collins_87: Welcome back Richie, big job at hand. Let the rebuild begin 🔴⚪️🔴⚪️ #DRFC
@bradredshaw: You reds ⚽️ welcome back gaffer #drfc
@Bwfc12341: As if they could be any worse at moaning 🙄
@_BenWills: Fantastic appointment for Donny, and him getting a full pre-season to get his own squad and implement his philosophy will do Wellens the world of good, where I suspect it went wrong at Salford #DRFC
@_RyMcCluskey: #bcafc anyone who wanted Wellens
@BestyJ_13: Richie Lad! 😍
@charlie__BRFC: Good appointment that
@Ryandunphy95: Going from Moore to the mini Sean O Driscoll. Absolutely buzzing. 😍😍😍😍😍 #DRFC
😎#DRFC https://t.co/npm4jU7JCz pic.twitter.com/JtDBh5F4mX
— Into The Empty Net (@DRFC_ITEN) May 17, 2021
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