Leyton Orient boss Richie Wellens has revealed his regret at mocking Ange Postecoglou last weekend.
Wellens oversaw a 1-0 defeat to their fellow League One promotion contenders Stockport County when he made comments about the Tottenham head coach.
During a post-match interview, Wellens was asked if injuries played a role in the loss and referenced Postecoglou.
“I’m not Ange Postecoglou who will keep using it as an excuse,” he responded.
Wellens’ quote raised more eyebrows given the fact that Orient have Josh Keeley and Jamie Donley on loan from Spurs this season.
He issued a swift apology for his ‘stupid comment’ and insisted that the two London clubs have a strong relationship.
However, the Orient head coach has not yet been able to speak to his managerial counterpart Postecoglou.
Speaking ahead of their FA Cup clash against Manchester City, live on talkSPORT this Saturday, he said: “I haven’t. I’ve tried to. But they had an important game.
“It was Saturday night, I tried to call someone at Spurs, but they had an important game [against Brentford] on Sunday.
“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.”
Wellens joined Orient in March 2022 and won the League Two title in his first full season there.
Promotion ended their eight-year exile from League One, with the O’s even dropping out of the EFL in that time, but now a return to the Championship is their current focus.
Orient are sixth and in the final play-off spot on 44 points, with fellow London outfit Charlton Athletic only behind on goal difference.