Salford City SACK Richie Wellens after ‘showdown talks’ with Gary Neville

Salford City have sacked manager Richie Wellens after last weekend’s defeat at Cheltenham left them six points off the League Two play-off spots.

According to The Sun, Wellens held ‘showdown talks’ with Salford co-owner and former Manchester United defender Gary Neville before he was later relieved of his duties.

It comes just nine days after Wellens led Salford to their EFL Trophy win against Portsmouth on penalties at Wembley but their league form has not been good enough. 

Salford City have sacked manager Richie Wellens after ‘showdown talks’ with Gary Neville

Salford’s Class of ’92 ownership group were not happy with their faltering promotion push

It comes just nine days after Wellens led Salford to their EFL Trophy win against Portsmouth

The Class of ’92 ownership have long been unhappy with what they saw on the pitch and co-owner Neville had held talks over their league form.

The former Manchester United defender and Sky Sports pundit sat the players and staff down before the EFL Trophy win over Portsmouth – the final from last season after Covid-19 delays – to discuss their issues. 

But it Neville watched on as Salford lost more ground in the League Two promotion race at Cheltenham last weekend as his side went down to goals by Sean Long and Liam Sercombe.

An ambitious club, Salford are desperate to continue their climb up the domestic football pyramid and this is their second season in League Two. 

A club statement 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.’  

Salford are now looking for a third manager this season after also parting company with Graham Alexander in October. 

More to follow.