In England’s third division
“We only serve crap week after week”: coach settles accounts with team
May 4, 2026 – 10:08 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Despite staying in the league, Leyton Orient’s coach Richie Wellens is merciless – his angry speech goes viral far beyond England.
Relegation has been achieved, but instead of relief there is clear criticism. At Leyton Orient, coach Richie Wellens caused a stir after the last matchday of League One with an unusually sharp speech – also internationally.
The 2-2 draw against Burton Albion on Saturday was enough to finish the season in 20th place. Because Exeter City lost at the same time, Orient remained in the third division. But Wellens didn’t want to know anything about the happy ending. He told his players: “Applaud the fans, they have paid money all season to watch us home and away – they deserve to be applauded. But then don’t celebrate with your families. Leave the pitch. It’s been an embarrassing season. Too many players have wasted ten months of their careers. I wasted a year of my coaching career.”
The 46-year-old also took responsibility for himself. “I’ve criticized our fans a few times in the past. I’d like to apologize for that now. I’ll explain to you why I did that. We have a weak team – really, really weak, okay? And when our fans criticize them, I try to deflect that criticism away from them. So I go in front of the press and say the atmosphere wasn’t particularly good, and then the fans take their anger out on me.” His players “served nothing but rubbish week after week” to the supporters.
Wellens also criticized his team’s attitude. “Not a single one of our players” watched the FA Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Southampton. “They’re on their phones doing whatever they’re doing. How can you not look at the elite and learn from the very best?”
The coach announced consequences for the summer. “There are certain players whose contracts are expiring and who probably won’t get a new contract on the same terms at the moment. Those who have contracts will have difficulty getting a new one. And then there will be players with contracts that we want to part with. We need more athleticism in our team and more character.”
