Richie Wellens in action during the inaugural Loathed Strangers Shield charity match in aid of Prospect Hospice Photo: Renée Gordon FORMER Swindon Town manager Richie Wellens admits a poor pre-season probably cost the club a successful campaign, but said he felt the squad was more than capable of staying up when he left. Town’s League Two-winning boss resigned in November 2020 to join Salford City but only lasted a little over four months before being sacked due to a poor run of results and a reluctance to change tactics. The 41-year-old has been enjoying his time off since though and travelled down to the County Ground last weekend to watch Swindon’s final home game and play in the Loathed Strangers charity shield.
Action from the inaugural Loathed Strangers Shield charity match in aid of Prospect Hospice Photo: Renée Gordon THE inaugural Loathed Strangers Shield helped to raise almost £6,000 for the Prospect Hospice. Sunday’s game - which ended 7-7 and saw the blue team reign victorious on penalties - was held at the County Ground and took place to raise funds for the charity which was chosen by Alan McLoughlin’s family. The match was extremely well supported with a host of former players returning to take part, featuring alongside former and current club staff, and those who contribute to the Loathed Strangers podcast.