Wellens: we must believe

Richie Wellens: the midfielder is hoping to extend his loan until the end of the season.

RETURNING star Richie Wellens says talk is cheap when it comes to lifting Athletic from the lower reaches of the division.

The 35-year-old midfield man, on loan from Doncaster, is back until January 2 but hopes the deal can be extended to the end of the season.

Wellens has made one appearance as a substitute at Crewe and missed the FA Cup loss at Sheffield United due to being cup-tied. He is back in the squad for the Millwall game on Saturday, as manager David Dunn tries to turn things round with a set of players Wellens feels isn’t lacking ability.

“I can’t believe this club is in the bottom four,” said Wellens, whose first spell at the club saw him make 101 appearances under Ronnie Moore and John Sheridan, before leaving for Doncaster in 2007.

“There is far too much quality individually to be in the bottom four. The biggest thing I have felt watching the games is that it is about having that belief. The belief to go and beat that last man and get the final ball right, or to go and score a goal, which has been lacking. But when players are low on confidence, you seem to get that.

“The atmosphere in the dressing room is good and everyone is upbeat. But there has got to be a turnaround in results now.

“It is no good just me saying it: the proof is on the Saturday or Tuesday, when you go out on to the pitch.

“If you start well, you continue to do the things that got you that start. If you start badly, you can’t just crumble.”

Former Manchester United trainee Wellens has made 16 appearances for Doncaster this term, but came close to joining another League One club in the last transfer window in the hope of reducing travelling time from his home in Worsley.

“There was interest from Wigan but that fell through,” he added. “To be able to play for longer and to play at my best, it was probably better to move nearer home.

“After speaking to Oldham, I had to wait for three or four weeks before the move could happen. Hopefully I can help the team move up the table because come January, I would like to stay longer.”