What Richie Wellens has said about managing Leyton Orient in the Championship - he has made his ambition clear | OneFootball

Wellens have been clear in his aim of pushing up the Football League with Leyton Orient.

Richie Wellens has gained a number of plaudits for his work in charge of Leyton Orient over the last few years.

Since taking over as head coach in the midst of a fight to stay in the Football League back in March 2022, the former Leicester City midfielder kept the O's up comfortably - before going on to remarkably secure the League Two title in 2023. A top-half finish in League One would follow, before the East Londoners went on to reach the play-off final last season, suffering a 1-0 defeat to London rivals Charlton Athletic.

As Orient aim to regroup ahead of the next campaign, Wellens has signed a new three-year deal to remain in charge, a decision that was unanimously praised by everyone in and around E10.

The Mancunian-born head coach, in no uncertain terms, let the club and its fans know what his aims are for both himself and Leyton Orient.

Richie Wellens talks about his Championship ambitions

Wellens and his Orient side found themselves just 90 minutes from the second tier for the first time in over 40 years, and will no doubt be aiming to go one better and gain promotion next season.

The renewal of a manager with the reputation and skill of Wellens is a clear sign of the O's ambition - something that's echoed by the 45-year-old's comments following the contract announcement.

"Since I joined the club in 2022, we've seen progress season-by-season, and we want to keep improving and get this club to a level we think it can reach," Wellens stated via the club's website.

"I'm an ambitious person and an ambitious Head Coach, and I want to manage in the Championship, and I want to get there with Leyton Orient.

"We came so close to achieving our goal of getting there last season, and it has left me wanting it even more. The club are showing great ambition for the future – which was vital in my decision to sign this contract – and I can't wait to continue my journey with this club, which means the world to me and my family.

"I've said it before, but the supporters at Leyton Orient are top class. They welcomed me to the club with open arms, and whenever I see them, whether that be on the tube, in a supermarket, or just walking down the street, they tell me how much the club means to them. I want to repay that faith to the supporters, but also to my players, staff, and the board.

"The relationships that I have built up with the staff here over a number of years have been a big thing for me, and I can't wait to continue that. Myself, [Martin] Lingy and many others are working really hard behind the scenes, and we're excited for next season, and I'm excited for the team that we are building."

New majority shareholder David Gandler added: "We've had some great conversations since I joined the club, and he wants nothing but the best for Leyton Orient. We know what Richie wants, and we mirror his ambition of having yet another season of progress."

Leyton Orient set sights on second tier football

Ahead of what is shaping up to be an extremely competitive League One season, the commitment shown by Wellens is a statement of intent for Orient to be back at the top of the table again.

While a lack of activity in the transfer market has worried a select few among the Orient fanbase, there is still plenty of time for the O's to solidify a promotion-challenging side - and with Wellens remaining at the helm it's clear to all that's what they will be aiming for in the upcoming season.