EFL boss tears into his own team despite avoiding relegation in most brutal interview of the season
Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens gave one of the most brutal post-match interviews in recent memory, slamming his players despite avoiding relegation to League Two.
Orient finished 20th in the table after drawing 2-2 with Burton Albion on the final day, while Exeter City's 2-1 home loss to Bradford City means they will be playing in the fourth tier of English football next season.
Typically, avoiding relegation on the final day of the season is a euphoric feeling but Wellens was not in the mood for celebrating.
After finishing sixth and reaching the play-off final in a losing effort at Wembley the previous season, the former Manchester United academy player blasted his players for "an embarrassing season" that saw them take 52 points from 46 games.
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He demanded that his players exited the pitch after applauding the supporters, claiming many had "wasted 10 months of their career" and that he in turn had a year of his coaching career go to waste as a result.
"We had relegation written all over us," Wellens said.
"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.
"So 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. Too many players that have wasted 10 months of their career. I've had one year of my managerial career that I've wasted on them players.
"Then they've wasted the supporters' time. We've not given them enough days to turn up to. Not enough good days.
"We can play poorly, but run, fight, be more intent."
“I have had one year of my management career wasted on these players.”
— Charlie (@charliekeegan) May 2, 2026
A brutal, honest, and perhaps needed post season interview from Richie Wellens.
Wellens acknowledges the exceptions (such as Dom Ballard), but he clearly states the issues.
(📹 @LeytonOrientFC)#LOFC pic.twitter.com/RQrpEgHKgF
Wellens said that the team needs "more athleticism and more character" as he shared a need to be better in recruitment in the upcoming season.
Despite Orient's struggles, there was one shining light for them in a difficult season. Dom Ballard finished as the top scorer in League One, bagging his 23rd goal of the campaign on the last day.
Wellens praised him for all the other attributes he has, stating that he "runs, he fights, he tries his very hardest".
However, he did admit that if the club received an "acceptable" offer then the club would have to consider selling him.
Josh Lawless