Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens didn't hold back in a blistering post-match assessment of his squad, calling them out for what he sees as a wasted season—and a wasted year of his own career.

After securing League One survival on the final day with a 2-2 draw against Burton Albion, the O's boss was far from relieved. Instead, he launched into a candid critique, accusing his players of "serving up rubbish" week after week.

"I've come out a couple of times and had a go at our supporters in the past. I'm going to apologise for that now," Wellens told BBC Radio London. "I'm going to tell you the reason why I've done it. We've got a weak group—really, really weak. And when our supporters give them criticism, I try and take the criticism off them."

Wellens explained that he had previously deflected blame onto the atmosphere or the fans themselves to shield his players, but he's no longer willing to sacrifice his relationship with the club's supporters. "Week in, week out—especially the past six or seven weeks—they get served up with rubbish. There are too many players that have wasted 10 months of their career and wasted my time. I've had one year of my management that has been wasted by the players."

The frustration boiled over when Wellens saw his team playing for a draw in the closing stages against Burton, even as relegation rivals Exeter were losing to Bradford. Worse still, some players celebrated on the pitch after confirmation of survival. "Clap the fans because they've earned it," he said. "They've paid their money all season to come and watch us home and away, and they deserve to be clapped. But then don't be celebrating with your family. Get off the pitch—it's been an embarrassing season."

For a manager who guided Orient to promotion in 2022-23 and a play-off final last season, this campaign has been a stark contrast. Wellens made it clear: the mentality to win is missing from too many in the dressing room. "There's not enough people at this football club with the mentality to win."