FORMER Swindon Town manager Richie Wellens has been sacked by Salford City after just one win in their past eight league games.

The 40-year-old recently lifted the second piece of silverware of his managerial career when leading the Ammies to EFL Trophy glory, but paid the price for a dreadful run of form in League Two.

A 2-0 defeat to Cheltenham Town on Saturday left Salford six points off the play-off places with 11 games still to play this season.

First reported in The Sun, Wellens was brought into a meeting with Salford co-owner Gary Neville on Monday morning and asked to change his possession-based style into a more direct approach.

The ex-Swindon chief apparently refused, and it was then decided that Wellens would leave his post after just four months at the Peninsula Stadium.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Salford City Football Club has parted company with Richie Wellens by mutual consent.

"We would like to thank Richie for his time and efforts at the club and wish him well for the future.

"An announcement about a new manager will be made in due course.

"There will be no further comment."

Wellens took over at the County Ground in November 2018 and pulled Swindon away from danger before settling for a 13th place finish later that term.

In the Mancunian's first full season at SN1, Wellens led Town to the League Two title after the coronavirus pandemic halted professional football and positions were decided on a points-per-game basis.