“HE was a demander; he always had an opinion – you could see in his younger years that he would become a coach or manager.”

Tommy Wright’s words underline his belief from years ago that now Swindon Town manager Richie Wellens was always destined to one day take charge of an EFL team.

The Mancunian ended his 20-season playing career at Macclesfield Town two years ago, and jumped straight into the deep end when taking charge – to a certain extent – of League One outfit Oldham Athletic.

A tricky relationship with his chairman at Boundary Park, coupled with the club’s relegation to League Two, resulted in Wellens’ departure last summer – a time where he first entered talks with Lee Power regarding the management role at the Energy Check County Ground.

Fast forward a few months, and Phil Brown’s sacking in November opened the door for Wellens – and to say he has made a positive impression on the club’s fanbase since his arrival would be an understatement.

Community engagement is up, results have improved and the ‘wheeling and dealing’ work in the transfer market has pleased the majority of supporters.

All of the above is of little surprise to coach Wright, who joined the backroom team at SN1 this summer.

Wright said: “You could see in his younger days that he would go into coaching or management.

“He was interested in the game, and the tactics involved.

“Richie was a demander – he would demand from other players. And he had an opinion about everything – a typical Manchester lad. He had a bit of life about him.”

Wellens no doubt wishes to be on an hourly rate in the next week, with the summer transfer window deadline looming.

The Town boss’ hours will stack up over the next four days, with Wright revealing the club wants at least one more player through the door before 5pm on Monday, September 2.

He added: “He’s on the phone a lot now – and you’re always speaking to people anyway just for a general chit-chat about the game and if you’re interested in a player.

“You might make calls to see what type of person a player is, how they are in the dressing room, if they’re a good trainer.

“We’re trying to get one or two players through the door.”