AGENTS’ demands have made Richie Wellens’ task to bring in a centre back difficult, and the Swindon Town manager admits he is no closer to signing a proven defender.

Midfielder Anthony Grant and left-back Zeki Fryers have filled the central defensive role admirably over the last few weeks.

But with Tom Broadbent Town’s only current fit senior centre back, Wellens is keen to add ‘one or two’ more into his armoury.

The 39-year-old said he will not be rushed into signing anyone, though, and is on the lookout for players that fit his style of football.

Wellens said: “I spoke in the press conference after the last game (against Bradford) where I said we needed two centre backs.

“Tom Broadbent is our only fit centre back currently.

“In recent weeks we’ve had Zeki Fryers and Anthony Grant – Zeki has been great at centre back, but his proper position is left back.

“Mathieu Baudry has done great this season.

“I think he’s played 20 games, and obviously the six games we’ve had without him, we’ve not had an adequate replacement in terms of keeping our style of play going.”

Away from Wellens’ transfer window wheeling and dealing, the Town chief was touched by money raised by club supporters last weekend for the Darby-Rimmer MND Foundation.

Founded by former Town player Stephen Darby and ex-serviceman Chris Rimmer, the foundation aims to create awareness of motor neurone disease while funding and assisting research with the aim of one day finding a cure.

Sales of Town’s popular third kit ahead of Bradford City’s visit to the County Ground raised a whopping £13,500 for the charity.

Wellens added: “You’ve got to admire someone going through an illness that has the energy and spirit to raise money.

“It’s a horrible illness, I’ve met Stephen (Darby) before and I’ve played against him.

“He is a fantastic human being, not one to sit back and wait for something to happen.

“He’s getting out there, trying to raise money, and fight the disease as best he can.

“My wife’s friend, her husband had the disease.

“It’s a truly horrible illness, and every credit to Stephen because the quicker we can find a cure the better.”