RICHIE Wellens has no sights set on Swindon Town’s short-term play-off hopes, instead opting to channel his focus on building a team sufficient for future development.

Saturday’s 2-1 win against Tranmere Rovers means Town sit six points short of the League Two play-off frame following Forest Green Rovers’ 3-0 win against Grimsby Town on Tuesday.

That is of little concern to Wellens, though, who is looking to establish some familiarity in the squad with the 2019-20 campaign in the back of his mind.

Wellens reiterated his belief that loan signings are of little use to him in the long-term, suggesting his two latest targets will be tied down to permanent deals following the captures of Danny Rose and Tom Broadbent last week.

He said: “I’m not even looking towards the play-offs. I’m looking at players that I can build a team from.

“I’ve said it before, loan signings aren’t really for me. Luke (Woolfenden) was great, him and Tom (Broadbent) looked like a great partnership.

“But, in a few weeks’ time, Ipswich might pull Luke back – and I’ll have to start changing people.

“I don’t want that. I want to have settled the majority of the team.”

With 19 points secured from his first 12 games, Wellens understands improvement is required on his first dozen games in charge if Town are to secure a play-off spot.

Putting the building blocks in place to move the club forward is undoubtedly Wellens’ priority.

He said: “It’s a tough league and it comes at you a lot. We’re still a work in progress.

“We’re putting things in place that look promising and bright. But you can easily lose two on the spin and the league gets away from you.

“It’s about building, and moving forward. At the moment, we’re looking okay.”

Meanwhile, the addition of Rose is one that has pleased Wellens, who insists having experience of winning League Two was a key cog that Town were lacking prior to his arrival.

He added: “Danny Rose has won leagues, and it doesn’t matter what division you play in – Premier League or Conference.

“You don’t win every week playing pretty football. There are times when you need to grind results out and be in the right position.

“Danny knows the game, he’s won promotion from this league multiple times. He’s a man, is mature in his thinking.

“Tom Broadbent is of good age too – he’s built well.

“He’s someone we can take to the next level and try to develop into a good player.”