Richie Wellens has admitted his Leyton Orient side were ‘probably’ not ready for a place in the Championship following their League One play-off final defeat against Charlton Athletic.
The O’s have enjoyed a remarkable rise since appointing the 45-year-old in March 2022. He took over the club when they were still in the relegation conversation in League Two, only to see an immediate improvement in form to record a 13th-placed finish.
His first full campaign saw Orient crowned champions of the fourth tier, and they cemented their place in League One the following year with a top half finish. Few gave the Londoners a chance of bettering that this time around, especially with the likes of Birmingham City, Wrexham, Huddersfield Town, Rotherham United and Stockport County joining the division.
The former Doncaster Rovers boss once again upset the odds though, guiding Orient into the play-offs on the final day with a 4-1 win over Huddersfield. They then earned a place at Wembley with a two-legged victory over Stockport.
Wellens Realistic In Defeat
Up against an in-form Charlton side, Orient were perhaps the underdogs heading to the national stadium. Despite enjoying 63% possession and 16 shots on goal, only one was on target and a first half free kick from Addicks defender Macaulay Gillesphey was enough to separate the two teams.
Speaking after the game, Wellens was unable to hide his emotion, although did admit that promotion may have come too soon for his side:
“I am more gutted than anybody. It’s the first time I have ever lost a final, ever.
“If you’d said to us at the start of the season you’re going to lose in the play-off final we’d have taken it. But now it’s important we grow and develop the club. We’re still not there.
“If we’d been promoted today we’d still fall short in a lot of areas which are required for a Championship club. We have to try and grow from it.
“I came here and we were 20th in League Two. Charlton are ready to go up. Are we ready? As a club we probably need more time.”
Writer’s View
This is a really honest admission from Richie Wellens. It’s refreshing to hear a manager concede as such, especially in a moment that would have been devastating. Orient will be stronger for this experience but it will be interesting to see if they can keep the main core of these players together. They know they will already need to replace top scorer Charlie Kelman, who will return to parent club Queens Park Rangers, whilst key midfielder Ethan Galbraith is likely to attract interest from the Championship.
