Rival League One manager departs for Salford - and will now plot Portsmouth's downfall in EFL Trophy final

Richie Wellens has departed Swindon for Salford. Picture: Pete Norton/Getty Images

Richie Wellens has departed his post as manager of Swindon Town to take charge of Salford City.

The 40-year-old succeeds Graham Alexander in the Ammies hot seat, signing a deal until the end of the 2022-23 season.

And it means Wellens will be plotting Pompey’s downfall when they face Salford of the 2019-20 EFL Trophy – when a date is eventually arranged.

Wellens led Swindon to the League Two title last season, although they have struggled to adjust to their new third-tier surroundings this term.

Despite signing ex-Pompey skipper Brett Pitman, the Robins languish just one spot above the drop zone.

Wellens was not in charge of Swindon’s 4-2 loss to Plymouth, having been heavily linked to the vacant Salford job in recent days.

Now he’s been confirmed as money-spinning City’s new manager.

Wellens said: ‘It’s a club that everybody takes great interest in because of the profile of the club, it’s a club on the up and I’m a manager that wants to win games.

‘Coming to Salford is an opportunity to win week in, week out, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for me to take the club to where they want to be.

‘The club has had unbelievable success in the last six years with Bern and Jonno winning promotions and Graham Alexander getting them into the Football League, and I’m looking forward to continuing that success.

‘Promotions at this level are more difficult, but the rewards are greater and I believe in continuing that success as well as giving the Club an identity and style that reflects the people of Salford.’

Wellens will be in the opposite dugout when Pompey face Salford in the EFL Trophy final.

The highly-anticipated clash was due to take place on April 5 but was postponed due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

More than 50,000 members of the Fratton faithful have purchased tickets and the EFL were keen to play the game when spectators were once game allowed to attend.

However, those hopes are now dwlindling and it’s likely the game will be played behind closed doors.

Pompey are still the holders of the silverware, having defeated Sunderland on penalties in March 2019.

Meanwhile, former Pompey striker Noel Hunt has thrown his hat into the ring to take charge of Swindon, having served as Wellens’ assistant at the County Ground.