Leyton Orient boss tears into own players in brutally honest interview - 'Get off the pitch'

Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens ripped into his 'really weak' team in a furious tirade after they narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of the League One season, claiming that they had 'wasted a year' of both his and their own careers. The O's headed into Saturday's season finale in the knowledge that only victory over Burton Albion would guarantee safety. But after only managing a 2-2 draw, Orient were left relying on favours, with Bradford City beating Exeter City 2-1 to send the latter down instead of the east Londoners. Under Wellens, Orient exceeded all expectations by reaching the play-off final last season and were anticipated to be among the teams vying for a top-six finish this term, although there was a churn of talent in the summer with key loanees departing Brisbane Road. But they have instead endured a chastening campaign - and Wellens didn't pull any punches in a scathingly honest post-match interview. "We had relegation written all over us," the 46-year-old said following Saturday's game. WORLD CUP LEGENDS: The stars who lit up football's greatest tournament - Buy the Special Edition today "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. "Then they've wasted the supporters' time. We've not given them enough days to turn up to. Not enough good days." Wellens went on to indicate that there will be a high turnover of players this summer in a bid to ensure Orient match expectations for the 2026-27 campaign. "We're going to be run more off data, and that data doesn't stack up with the way that we want to play," he said. "We need the personnel now that can carry it out. The ones that have got contracts are going to be struggling to get a new contract. Then there will be players with contracts that we want to move on." "I'm not going to kid them," Wellens added regarding those players who will be moved on. "I'm an honest person. I've been questioning them in meetings and one-on-ones. I need more. We're giving you opportunities to improve and give them all the information. We'll put an analytical video in the player's group and 50 per cent of them don't watch it. How do you get that?" Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us - and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're cu rious, you can read our Privacy Notice .