SWINDON Town have appointed Richie Wellens as the club’s new first-team manager.

Former Oldham Athletic boss Wellens has signed a contract at the Energy Check County Ground until May 2020.

The appointment comes less than 48 hours after Phil Brown’s dismissal following a below-par start to the new season.

Noel Hunt, a former Republic of Ireland international, will be Wellens’ assistant at SN1.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Wellens said: “For me, it’s a great opportunity to manage a football club that is well-run, has a good infrastructure, and a tradition over the last six or seven years of playing a style that I want to play.

“I want to get the ball down, play positive, quick, passing football and bring results and success to this football club, because at this moment, it is underachieving.

“For me, that style of play is the most important thing, exciting the fans.

“I had my first job at Oldham, which was going fantastically well, but the pitch deteriorated very badly and I had to change the way I played.

“I didn’t want to do that – I won’t have that problem here because the pitch is in fantastic condition.”

Wellens’ first game in charge will be Saturday’s home match against Carlisle United in League Two.

Town are seeking back-to-back wins, with Brown having seen a 2-1 victory over non-league side York City in the FA Cup first round in his final match in charge last weekend.

Wellens added: “I’ll meet the players and as quickly as possible, make them feel comfortable.

“They had a good weekend result and I want to continue that confidence – Thursday, Friday; we’ll look ahead to the Carlisle game.”