After two games in charge, Richie Wellens’ early beginnings as Leyton Orient head coach suggest the O’s have better days ahead.
Kenny Jackett’s time in charge comes to an end
At the end of February, Orient were without a win in 10 games and needed something to change. Their manager, Kenny Jackett, had left the future of the club in the balance. His side were lingering just above the relegation zone, and in danger of falling out of the Football League for a second time in just five years.
Following a 2-0 defeat at home against Joey Barton’s Bristol Rovers, the board decided enough was enough. Jackett was given his marching orders and was to be replaced on an interim basis by former Leyton Orient player, and now coach, Matt Harrold.
Under Harrold, the side saw an uptick in results. Leyton Orient were no longer losing games like they were under Jackett, and were now at least drawing them instead.
Richie Wellens appointed as boss
On March 9, when the O’s were just four points clear of the relegation zone and struggling in 20th position, the board decided to hire Wellens as their new head coach on a permanent basis. The young manager had been out of a job for just under three months following his departure from League One side Doncaster Rovers.
? The Club is delighted to announce the appointment of Richie Wellens as our new Head Coach.#LOFC #OnlyOneOrient
— Leyton Orient (@leytonorientfc) March 9, 2022
Wellens has already been in charge for two games. His task has been to help his side manoeuvre their way past two difficult away games. It’s been so far, so good for the 41-year-old boss.
Positive signs for Leyton Orient
Leyton Orient first travelled to mid-table side Hartlepool. They played out a bore draw, but Orient fans would have been encouraged by their side’s performance. Ruel Sotiriou, the O’s talented winger, came closest to scoring with an effort going just over the bar in the first half.
Buoyed by this performance, the players and fans travelled to top of the league Forest Green Rovers. Without a win in 14 league games, and squaring up against the best side in League Two, fans would have been forgiven for expecting the worst, especially after going 1-0 down early on.
But it turned out to be a brilliant performance by the O’s which could signal a turning point in their season. Sotiriou’s equaliser in the 67th minute was well deserved and gave his side a valuable point as they continue their quest to stay in the Football League.
Speaking after the game, Wellens was extremely proud of the way his side went about their performance.
“I think the second half was domination from us, both territorially, in terms of hitting their penalty box and getting in areas and looking composed.”
The change in character and belief of this new-look Leyton Orient was summarised by Wellens’ disappointment that his side hadn’t gone on to take all three points.
“My only criticism is I think we went a little bit passive mode when we went 1-1 thinking [of] a point,” the head coach said. “I want to get to the stage where we equalise and want to try and win 2-1, but we’re not quite there yet.”
Wellens still has a tough job on his hands guiding Orient to safety, but performances like these are certainly steps in the right direction.
