EFL boss accuses 'embarrassing' players of 'wasting a year of his career' in brutal interview

Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens delivered a brutal verdict on his players following their narrow escape from League One relegation, branding the campaign "embarrassing" and labelling his squad "really, really weak."

The O's secured their third-tier status with a 2-2 draw against Burton Albion, finishing three points above the drop zone after Exeter City fell 2-1 to Bradford on the final day.

"We have a weak group, really, really weak," Wellens told reporters after the match.

Orient's dramatic decline saw them finish just one place above relegation after reaching the play-offs last season.

Their record of 14 wins, 10 draws and 22 defeats painted a grim picture of a troubled campaign.

Wellens took particular aim at his side's conduct during the closing stages, criticising their decision to pass the ball around at the back rather than push for victory once news filtered through that Exeter were losing.

"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," he said.

"In football you never know, Exeter could score two goals in a minute. It kind of sums the group up."

The manager highlighted a recurring pattern of defensive frailty, noting his team had surrendered goals repeatedly in the minutes before half-time and after the 85th minute.

"We've probably lost 20 points after 85 minutes and then conceding goals at half-time," Wellens added, pointing to a fundamental absence of leadership within the squad.

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The Orient boss also drew parallels with Wycombe manager Michael Duff, who had criticised his own players the previous week for squandering their play-off hopes through poor late-season form.

"Too many players that have wasted 10 months of their career, wasted my time," the Orient boss continued.

"I've had one year of my managerial career that I've wasted."

The manager ordered his players to acknowledge the travelling supporters but refused to allow any celebrations on the pitch following the final whistle.

He continued: "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."

Despite his withering assessment of the squad, Wellens acknowledged that certain individuals had performed admirably throughout the difficult season.

The manager singled out striker Dom Ballard for praise, recognising his exceptional contribution in front of goal.

Ballard topped the League One scoring charts with 23 goals, earning him a share of the newly introduced Red Boot award alongside Swansea's Zan Vipotnik.

The prize honours the highest goalscorer across all three divisions of the English Football League throughout the season.