New Leyton Orient defender Will Forrester says manager Richie Wellens was a big part of his decision to join from Bolton Wanderers in the January transfer window.
The 24-year-old arrived on a two-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee after 53 appearances in all competitions across two-and-a-half seasons for the Trotters.
"Knowing how the manager (Richie Wellens) plays, it was a no-brainer to come here and showcase what I can do at such a good club", Forrester told BBC Radio London.
"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 led the east London club to promotion from League Two in 2023, and took them to the League One play-off final last season. He has also won the League Two title with Swindon and the EFL Trophy with Salford City.
"Everyone knows the manager," Forrester added. "He's a top guy who looks after his players. He's very intense at times, which is a good thing. 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."
Forrester made just two appearances for Bolton this season, both in the EFL Vertu Trophy, due to injury – and lack of opportunity – but hopes to feature more regularly for the O's.
"I had an injury at the start of the season and struggled to get back in because the squad is ginormous – 32 players or something," he added.
"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.
"Hopefully now I can stay fit for the rest of the season, and get the club right back up the table."
'Morale high' despite proximity to relegation places
Orient finished sixth last season to squeeze into the play-offs but lost several members of that squad over the summer.
They have found this campaign a challenging one and sit just one point and two places above the relegation zone after 29 matches.
Forrester knows about a play-off hangover, having been at Bolton when they lost at Wembley to Oxford United in May 2024 with a place in the Championship at stake.
"I've been there myself, losing in the play-off final, and then the next season [the team] not performing how everybody thinks you will," said Forrester.
"It's not as easy as that, but the mood in the camp here… as soon as I walked in, the morale was high. Hopefully it starts to click and with the new faces coming in as well, that's given the whole team a big boost."
In addition to his time at Bolton, Forrester also had a full season in League One with Port Vale, and knows the division well.
"It's probably one of the most competitive leagues in the world," he added. "We're where we are now, which is where no-one wants to be, but you win a few games and suddenly you are in touching distance of the play-offs.
"It's definitely not as strong as it has been, obviously, with Birmingham and Wrexham pumping all that money into it. That made it difficult for other teams which shows just how good Leyton Orient did last season just missing out."
