Leyton Orient defender Will Forrester has said head coach Richie Wellens played a central role in his decision to join the club during the January transfer window.
The 24-year-old moved to Brisbane Road on a two-and-a-half-year deal after finding opportunities limited at Bolton Wanderers earlier in the season.
Forrester arrived having made just two appearances this term, both in the EFL Trophy, with injury and competition for places restricting his involvement. Speaking after completing the switch, he made clear that the chance to work under Richie Wellens was decisive.
“Knowing how the manager plays, it was a no-brainer to come here and showcase what I can do at such a good club,” Forrester said. “He was a massive reason I came because he has a style of play that suits me and benefits me, so I wanted to come and be a part of that.”
Wellens has built a strong reputation since taking charge in east London, guiding Orient to promotion from League Two in 2023 and into the League One play-offs last season. Forrester described the head coach’s approach as demanding but supportive, something he believes will help him regain consistency.
“He’s very intense at times, which is a good thing,” he added. “He can give you a rocket which is needed sometimes, but he can also put his arm around you which you also need at times.”
The defender also acknowledged that his situation at Bolton Wanderers increasingly pointed towards a move, particularly after missing the early part of the campaign through injury.
“I had an injury at the start of the season and struggled to get back in because the squad is ginormous,” Forrester said. “That was another one of the big reasons I came here, to play. I like to get in a rhythm every week and improve every game.”
Orient involved at the wrong end of the table
Orient sit just above the relegation places following a challenging campaign, a sharp contrast to last season’s play-off run. Forrester, who also has a full League One season on his CV with Port Vale, believes the division’s volatility means momentum can shift quickly.
Having experienced a post-play-off hangover at Bolton following their Wembley defeat in 2024, the defender arrives with a clear understanding of how fine the margins can be. With fresh faces added during the window and a belief that results can turn rapidly, Forrester’s focus now is on establishing himself in the side and helping Orient stabilise their league position as the season moves into its decisive phase.