“I must say…”: O’s boss Richie Wellens shares his verdict on ‘massive’ Bolton and progress under Evatt and acknowledges the challenges posed by a formidable.

Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens is eagerly anticipating the upcoming match at the Toughsheet Community Stadium following his team’s recent 2-1 victory at Cheltenham. Optimistic about maintaining their positive momentum, Wellens acknowledges the challenges posed by a formidable opponent playing in a top-tier stadium with a sizable and supportive fanbase.

Expressing excitement about competing against a team of high quality, Wellens views the match as an opportunity for his players, underscoring the significance of such fixtures that motivated their pursuit of promotion last season.

Recognizing Bolton Wanderers as one of the premier clubs in the division, Wellens praises their substantial progress over the years, attributing their success to the continuity and stability provided by manager Ian Evatt.

Bolton’s third-place finish in League Two two or three seasons ago underscores their commitment to improvement, exemplified by their well-rounded and talented squad. Wellens draws attention to Kieran Sadlier, a player acquired from Bolton last season, emphasizing his positive impact despite facing challenges within his former team.

Anticipating a strong showing from Bolton, Wellens acknowledges the club’s considerable fan support and their status as a loyal and forward-thinking institution. He commends Evatt’s managerial style and the club’s stability, painting a picture of a footballing powerhouse. Orient, having secured promotion from League Two in the previous season, aspires to follow a trajectory of progress similar to Bolton’s.

When questioned about whether Bolton’s journey serves as a blueprint for Leyton Orient, Wellens acknowledges the difficulty of replicating their success due to the significant differences in fanbase size and the club’s history in the Premier League.

Despite these distinctions, he sees Bolton’s trajectory as a valuable blueprint to guide Orient in future transfer windows and seasons. Wellens envisions building on the foundation they have established, gradually adding layers of improvement to propel Leyton Orient forward in their pursuit of success.