Doncaster Rovers have announced the appointment of Richie Wellens as the club’s new manager. Wellens is the official replacement for Darren Moore who departed for Sheffield Wednesday in March.
Andy Butler oversaw the first team for the rest of the season but couldn’t maintain Doncaster’s promotion as Donny finished 14th in League One. He will return to his role as manager of the Doncaster Rovers Belles.
Wellens is back in management after a short spell at Salford City where he was sacked just a week after winning the delayed 2020 Papa John’s Trophy. He will be looking to build a squad ready to challenge for promotion next season.
Doncaster Rovers Appoint Richie Wellens as New Manager
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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
Wellens Returns to a Club Where He Made 199 Appearances as a Player
Wellens is no stranger to this part of the world having played for Doncaster during his career. Across two spells, Wellens made just short of 200 appearances before hanging up his boots and going into management.
Wellens had a short spell at Oldham Athletic but made his name at Swindon Town. In his first full season in charge of the Robins, he guided them to the League Two title and promotion. He left the Robins in November last year to join another one of his old teams in Salford City. Despite leading the club to silverware, Wellens was sacked in March with Ammies struggling to sustain a promotion bid.
He is now back for a third spell at Doncaster but this time as manager. Wellens brings a strong CV with two pieces of silverware as well as a promotion. Doncaster will hope he is the man to guide the club back to the Championship.
Chief Executive Gavin Baldwin Outlines Wellens Credentials
Speaking to the club’s website about Wellens’ appointment, 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.”
The club struggled to sustain their promotion bid after Darren Moore departed. Caretaker manager Andy Butler oversaw just four wins in his 18 league games in charge and the club thanked him for his efforts.
Wellens steps up ready for the challenge and he will relish it. The club is set for changes personnel-wise with Doncaster legend James Coppinger officially retiring. It’s a big job ahead but one Wellens will take in his stride as he targets a second promotion as a manager.
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