SWINDON Town assistant manager Noel Hunt confirmed Richie Wellens looks likely to join Salford City as the club’s new manager and said he would be open to the idea of replacing the Mancunian at the County Ground.

Wellens did not lead Swindon on Tuesday night as Town lost 4-2 away at Plymouth Argyle – instead, preferring to watch his prospective new team lose 2-1 away at Cambridge United in League Two.

The 40-year-old had been the subject of much conjecture over the past couple of days as the Ammies look to replace outgoing manager Graham Alexander.

And with Salford turning up their pursuit of Wellens, Hunt was left in charge of Swindon as they lost a thrilling contest away at Ryan Lowe’s Argyle.

Confirming it was indeed Wellens who asked to speak to Salford about the manager’s position following an initial rebuke from chairman Lee Power, Hunt stated he would take care of business to the best of his ability from now on.

He said: “As far as I’m aware, Salford made an approach for Richie which was rejected.

“Then one of the gaffer’s representatives got in contact with the club to ask if Richie could speak to Salford, and they said yes.

“I haven’t had much time to process it to be honest, but (taking over) is something I’ve got to have a serious think about.

“I’ll have to go and speak to the chairman and Steve Anderson (CEO) to figure out a plan going forward.

“One thing the club needs is direction, and I feel we are going the right way still.

“I regard myself in charge until told otherwise, but we’ve got a game to look forward to on Saturday.

“So it’s about picking the boys up, we’ve got a recovery day on Wednesday, and we’ll prepare for Saturday like it’s the most important game.”

Hunt had nothing bad to say about Wellens in the post-match interview, instead sending his best wishes as his friend looks to be heading to a team the Irishman called the playboys of League Two.

Asked if the coaching staff held any sadness for Wellens impending departure to Salford, Hunt said: “It does hurt us, but he will have his own reasons for going.

“I know him as a man and as a friend, and he’s been very, very good to me, so whatever happens, happens.

“On the other side of it, if you look at where he’s going, they’re the playboys of League Two.”