RICHIE Wellens has been appointed manager of Salford City, signing a deal until the end of the 2022-23 season.

And it marks a second spell at Moor Lane for the 40-year-old, who had a brief stint playing for The Ammies in the National League North in 2016.

After hanging up his boots the former Oldham midfielder returned to Latics as first team coach in July, 2017 before succeeding John Sheridan in the September after a successful spell in caretaker charge.

Wellens was dismissed the following June after relegation to League Two.

But he went on to take charge of Swindon Town in November 2018, where he won the League Two title last season. And that achievement is something he is looking to replicate with Salford.

“It’s a club that everybody takes great interest in because of the profile, it’s a club on the up and I’m a manager that wants to win games," said Wellens, who has succeeded Graham Alexander, while Paul Scholes has been holding the fort as caretaker manager.

"Coming to Salford is an opportunity to win week in, week out, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for me to take the club to where they want to be.

“The club has had unbelievable success in the last six years with Bern and Jonno (Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson) winning promotions and Graham Alexander getting them into the Football League, and I’m looking forward to continuing that success.

“Promotions at this level are more difficult, but the rewards are greater and I believe in continuing that success as well as giving the club an identity and style that reflects the people of Salford.”

Born in Moston and a product of Manchester United's academy, a lengthy professional career took Wellens to Blackpool, Doncaster Rovers and Leicester City, as well as Oldham, among others.

Salford chairman Karen Baird said:“We are pleased that Richie has agreed to become manager of Salford City.

“After a thorough process we highlighted Richie as an ideal candidate for the manager’s position. It is an exciting move as Richie is someone who has achieved success in League Two, and we look forward to further promotions together.”

Co-owner Gary Neville added: “Richie is someone we know well from Manchester United and his previous spell here.

“He has success at this level after winning the League Two title with Swindon Town last season, and his philosophy to play attacking football is what we want to bring fans at The Peninsula Stadium.

“His knowledge of the area and the club having played for ourselves and come through the youth ranks at Manchester United also fits in with the profile we were looking for.

“We look forward to achieving success together.”

Wellens' first game in charge will be at home to Hartlepool in the FA first round on Saturday.