Leyton Orient boss not feeling play-off pressure as League One play-off final against Charlton looms large

Richie Wellens has talked about how much he enjoys working with Leyton Orient’s young players – and that he does not suffer with play-off nerves.

The east London side face Charlton next Sunday at Wembley with a place in the Championship at stake.

Orient only ensured their play-off place on the final day of the regulation campaign but defeated Stockport over two legs to be potentially 90 minutes from reaching the English second tier.

Wellen’s side were in the relegation places in December but hit excellent form after that to rapidly climb the standings.

“I am not nervous,” said the 45-year-old Mancunian. “As a player I got nervous because I knew where I wanted to get to. I think I can manage at a higher level than this and if I want to then I have to go through nights like this, with younger players. Try and keep cool. It’s hard sometimes in the heat of the moment.

“It got chaotic at times (against Stockport).

“We wanted to play out and at times we did that really, really well. But we also got isolated and we played long balls into an open pitch. I didn’t think our set-up was right. We scored so early and then it is ours to lose – we stopped passing.

“We’ve had 60 games this season. We’ll try and win at the best stadium in the world.

“I’m proud of the group. I thought we were a little naive at times in our play – actually very naive.

“They have got the ability and they will grow. Some of the naivety we showed at times – not passing the ball and panicking. Or taking the extra touch when we can play the same zone…I can go on and on. But with that naivety comes no fear. I don’t think at any time we showed any fear.

“The amount of chances we let them have from a long ball flick on and then another flick on was too much.

“I love working with young players. It comes from when I was a young player and didn’t have the drive and determination. I try and make sure I don’t let them off with things. I am hard on things but it is constructive – for the very best of them.

“You can mould them and give really good advice. When I was an Manchester United I wasn’t a good professional and every day I wake up with that guilt that I didn’t maximise my career. I look at someone like Darren Pratley who maxed out his career.

“I know what you can go through if you cut corners. But then we have got Darren Pratley and Omar Beckles in the changing room who reiterate that.”

PICTURE: ALAMY