Former Ireland international Noel Hunt leaves Waterford to take assistant manager's job at Swindon

Former Republic of Ireland international striker Noel Hunt has left his post as player-coach with Waterford to take up a role as Richie Wellens’ assistant manager at Swindon Town.

Former Manchester United midfielder Wellens was appointed on Tuesday as successor to Phil Brown, who was sacked on Monday, and confirmed Hunt as his second-in-command.

The ease of Hunt’s appointment was doubtless aided by the fact that both clubs are owned by the former Ireland under-21 international Lee Power.

The 35-year-old only arrived at the RSC in late June but had an impact on and off the field as he contributed three league goals in ten games and a hat-trick in the FAI Cup win over Skerries Town.

It was Hunt’s second spell with the Blues, having spent a similarly short spell with his hometown club on loan from Shamrock Rovers at the beginning of his career in 2001.

“Noel was a pro on and off the field and I want to thank him,” Waterford manager Alan Reynold told the club’s media team.

“He played a big part in helping his hometown club qualify for Europe. We wish him the best.”

Three-times-capped international Hunt enjoyed a successful career both domestically and in the UK, most famously during a five-year stint at Reading where he played in the Premier League.