Ritchie Wellens has delivered a stern message to his Swindon Town stars this week; sign a new deal quickly or not at all.

As reported by the Swindon Advertiser, the former Doncaster midfielder is in no mood for his top stars to wait it out whilst looking at other options.

Wellens gave Swindon a fighting chance of a play-off spot, despite the terrible start they suffered under Phil Brown. The maths say they could still make the top six, but with five points to make up in two matches it's not going to happen.

That means the 39-year-old is already looking to next season and he's keen to ensure things are sorted early with his current squad.

“I’ve offered two or three players a contract, and if they have not signed this week – because they’ve been umming and ahing – then they can leave and go to another club," he said, following the confirmed departure of keeper Lawrence Vigouroux.

“I’ll speak to them personally and give them a deadline regarding their contract. If they want to sign it then they can. If not, we’ll move on. I want players here that want to be here."

Wellens had a high-profile falling out with keeper Vigouroux, who will end his four-year stint with the club this summer. The stopper missed training at short notice for a personal engagement and won't play for the club again.

The Verdict

Wellens is showing a ruthless side, something to be admired to a degree.

Attitude is certainly important and players dragging their heels over a new deal don't show commitment to the cause.

It's a buyers market in the summer, there's more players than squad places and if Wellens gets the right characters in, then Swindon should be able to push for promotion next season.