Richie Wellens didn't hold back. After Leyton Orient scraped a 2-2 draw with Burton Albion to avoid relegation from League One on the final day, the manager unleashed a blistering critique of his squad, accusing them of wasting a full year of his career.

"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. "We've got a weak group – really, really weak. When our supporters give them criticism, I try and take the criticism off them."

The O's boss, who joined the club four years ago after his sacking at Doncaster Rovers, admitted he's been shielding his players from fan backlash. But that protection has come at a cost. "I don't feel that my protection of them, or going on the verge of ruining a relationship with a group of supporters I've got an unbelievable relationship with, is worth it."

Wellens didn't mince words about the season's quality. "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."

He also called out his squad's mentality after the final match, noting that while Exeter were losing to Bradford, Orient players settled for a draw. "Clap the fans because they've earned it. They've paid their money all season to come and watch us home and away. But then don't be celebrating with your family. Get off the pitch, it's been an embarrassing season."

This marks a dramatic shift for Wellens, who guided Orient to promotion in 2022-23 and a play-off final last season. Now, with the team barely surviving, he's promising wholesale change. For fans and players alike, the message is clear: next season, the standard must rise.