Swindon Town manager Richie Wellens has revealed he has told a pair of players they're not wanted by the club, as reported by the Swindon Advertiser.

Wellens is cultivating the persona of a no-nonsense manager who leaves players in no doubt as to where they stand, with a pair of their current squad the latest to receive rather blunt advice.

Toumani Diagouraga and Jermaine McGlashan were both around the first team last season, but it seems their futures lie elsewhere after a typically blunt message from the former Oldham boss.

“When I was a player, I always wanted my manager to be honest with me," Wellens said.

“So, I’ve told Toumani Diagouraga and Jermaine McGlashan that they can find new clubs – I told them that weeks ago.”

Both players are halfway through two-year deals at the County Ground but seemingly won't feature at all as the manager looks to push on towards a play-off spot this season. They did play as Swindon beat Hungerford 4-1 in a friendly, but that could be the extent of their involvement in the first-team squad.

Diagouraga has previously played for Leeds and Plymouth, whilst McGlashan fell out of favour last season and had a spell on loan in the National League with promotion hopefuls Wrexham.

The Verdict

There is a benefit to being honest with players, but there is also a difference between honest and brutally honest. Surely, in this instance, something along the lines of 'they're free to leave but never say never' might have been more appropriate?

After all, the players are still around the squad, playing in friendlies and representing the club. It's fair to tell them the truth behind closed doors but I'm not sure Wellens' handling of the press is great for team spirit.

He's been very firm all summer and whilst that points to a strong manager for the upcoming season, it's going to be interesting to keep an eye on the situation. If he starts to be as blunt with players he's brought in, then the club might start to feel the consequences of his tough-talking ways.