Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens launched a blistering attack on his squad after they narrowly avoided relegation from League One on the final day of the season, describing the campaign as 'embarrassing' and claiming he had 'wasted 10 months of my career on them'.
Survival secured but Wellens unimpressed
The O's drew 2-2 with Burton Albion on the last weekend, finishing three points clear of Exeter City, who lost 2-1 to Bradford. This came after a dramatic turnaround in which Orient had finished in the play-offs the previous season but ended this campaign one place above the drop zone with a record of 14 wins, 10 draws, and 22 losses.
Speaking after the match, Wellens admitted relief at preserving League One status but was far from satisfied. He criticised his side's approach in the closing stages, noting that they settled for a draw while knowing Exeter were losing, despite the possibility of a late Exeter comeback.
'Weak group' and 'disgraceful' ending
Wellens told reporters: 'The manner we did it, not for me, the last 15 minutes were a disgrace passing it around the back, we did not want to win the game. In football you never know, Exeter could score two goals in a minute. It kind of sums the group up. We have a weak group, really, really weak.'
He highlighted recurring issues: 'We had relegation written all over us, we've had to wait for somebody else to get a result for us. We concede from another set play because we lack leadership. We conceded numerous goals just before half-time. We concede numerous goals after 85 minutes. We've probably lost 20 points after 85 minutes and then conceding goals at half-time.'
Wellens instructed his players to clap the fans but then leave the pitch without celebrating with their families. 'I've told them, clap the fans because they've earned it. They've paid their money all season to come and watch us home and away, they deserve to be clapped. But then don't be celebrating with your family, get off the pitch, it's been an embarrassing season.'
Wasted time and a rare positive
Referencing comments from Wycombe boss Michael Duff, Wellens said: 'Too many players that have wasted 10 months of their career, wasted my time. I've had one year of my managerial career that I've wasted. Then they've wasted the supporters' time, we've not given them enough days to turn up to, not enough good days.'
However, he acknowledged the efforts of Dom Ballard, who finished as League One's top scorer with 23 goals, sharing the new Red Boot prize with Swansea's Zan Vipotnik—an award for the leading goalscorer across all three EFL divisions.
