“When I do interviews, I’m honest and authentic. I’ll say what I think.”

The Athletic’s ears have pricked up. Leyton Orient head coach Richie Wellens is not one to keep his opinions to himself and that usually makes for an interesting article.

“You look at some people, they’re just boring. We can all do media training and end up like the rest of them, just saying cliches. What’s the point of that? Although it does get me into trouble.”

Well yes, there is plenty of evidence for that last bit. Wellens is watching Orient’s matches from the stands right now because he was getting too emotional over refereeing decisions and barking at fourth officials.

And in recent days, he’s remarked about Tottenham Hotspur counterpart Ange Postecoglou using injuries as an excuse (this despite Orient currently having two Spurs loanees, Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley, in their team).

“It was a tongue-in-cheek comment which, when you take the back end of it and the short version, it doesn’t sound good,” Wellens, who has apologised and attempted to contact Postecoglou directly, says. “Me, it’s water off a duck’s back. Our supporters love the honesty, I think? It’s a breath of fresh air.”

Whatever Wellens is saying to his players, though, is clearly working.

Orient are…