Wellens: We Have To Put On A Show

RICHIE Wellens has promised to play his way to survival after beating off a host of famous names to seize the Oldham Athletic job.

- Chris Dunlavy

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes and Dutch great Clarence Seedorf were both linked to the vacancy at Boundary Park, but four straight wins in caretaker charge catapulted Wellens into pole position.

Having lost seven of their first nine games – a run which cost gaffer John Sheridan his job – the Latics have since played with freedom and finesse to clamber out of the relegation zone. And, while the job is now his to lose, Wellens says that approach won’t change.

“As a manager, the only certainty is that you’ll get sacked one day,” says the 37-year-old, who retired this year after 601 career games in the EFL.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re me or Jose Mourinho and it doesn’t worry me one little bit. I’d rather go out playing my way – attacking, playing good football – than just try to survive.

“When I took over, these players needed to start enjoying themselves on the pitch again. We got them to enjoy moving, enjoy passing and expressing themselves. That’s got to continue.

“Yes, I want to win games. But it’s just as important to entertain our supporters. I want them to get value for money when they come through the gate.”