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Richie Wellens tried to contact Ange Postecoglou after mocking Tottenham boss

Wellens released a statement apologising for his comments, saying he was “deeply embarrassed”.

Andy Sims
Wednesday 05 February 2025 22:30 GMT
Richie Wellens’ side face Manchester City next (Steven Paston/PA)
Richie Wellens’ side face Manchester City next (Steven Paston/PA) (PA Archive)

Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens has revealed he tried to contact Ange Postecoglou after referencing the beleaguered Tottenham boss following his side’s defeat by Stockport.

Asked in a post-match interview whether injuries had played a part in Saturday’s 1-0 loss, Wellens said: “I’m not going to make excuses, I’m not Ange Postecoglou.”

Spurs have endured an injury-hit, troubled season which has piled the pressure on Postecoglou.

Wellens, 44, subsequently released a statement apologising for his comments, saying he was “deeply embarrassed”.

But he has been unable to speak to the Australian personally despite calling Tottenham, whose goalkeeper Josh Keeley and striker Jamie Donley are on loan with Orient.

“I haven’t. I’ve tried to. But they had an important game,” said Wellens, whose side face Manchester City in the FA Cup on Saturday.

“It was Saturday night, I tried to call someone at Spurs, but they had an important game (against Brentford) on the Sunday.

I'm not going to make excuses, I'm not Ange Postecoglou

Richie Wellens

“They won, which I was pleased about. I’ve obviously apologised and I think that’s the matter closed now.

“He’s got a job to do which is a lot more important. I made a mistake, I’ve apologised for it. Tottenham’s a brilliant football club and I hope they keep him.

“Jamie and Josh have been absolutely fantastic for this football club and we hope we can keep this relationship going. I want Tottenham to do well.

“They’re on our doorstep and we want to keep that relationship. I made a mistake and we move on.”

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