CHANGES are nigh at the Energy Check County Ground after Richie Wellens slammed Swindon Town’s weak and slow performance against Exeter City, which resulted in a two-goal New Year’s Day defeat.

Despite sharing possession 50-50 with the Grecians and managing to create eight chances in the game, Wellens’ troops never looked like troubling visiting goalkeeper Christy Pym – who was tested only once throughout the 90-minute game.

Those stats prompted Wellens to criticise the performance of his players, as he stated that more than one of the younger members of his squad believe they are better than what they actually are.

Wellens’ concerning comments were followed by confirmation that he will be looking to add fresh faces to his squad, particularly up front, as Town look to bridge the nine-point gap between themselves and the final play-off spot.

“We are no way near good enough, no way near,” said Wellens.

“Some players at the club think they are better than what they are, and they are not.

“We need to try and get some players in – players that are aware that we are a big club in this league.

“We need to get players in that are worthy of wearing a shirt in this league.

“One week I’m giving players information and they are taking it onboard, and they do it and do it well.

“Then, a couple of weeks later, they forget that information and do their own thing.

“We are so inconsistent, so inconsistent.”

After earning hard-fought and encouraging draws against Cheltenham, Northampton and Mansfield over the festive period, Town’s new year celebration were bluntly stopped by today's result.

Keshi Anderson appeared to add some spark to Town’s options moving forward, but even he can be held guilty for missing a clear-cut chance from seven yards out just minutes before Archie Collins netted the Grecians’ second.

Wellens admitted his men looked lazy and lethargic – adding that today’s tie proved one game too many for his men.

He added: “There are a lot of things wrong about the performance. The big thing was that it was a game too many for some.

“We had no energy, no legs – and Exeter looked stronger and quicker. They won so many second balls, and we didn’t do that.

“We looked lazy at times, lethargic. When we did get some passing going we did look okay, at times.

“But we get over excited and think we are better than what we are and start doing stupid things when the opposition are countering.

“The goal was a blow because it came at a bad time – in the first 20 minutes Exeter didn’t have much of the ball.

“The circumstances about the goal are difficult to take.”