Reading boss Noel Hunt labelled Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens 'one of the best I've worked with' ahead of tomorrow's meeting.

Wellens, who made over 600 EFL appearances as a midfielder, stepped into management with Oldham Athletic in 2017.

Since then, the 44-year-old has taken charge at Swindon Town, Salford City and Doncaster Rovers, as well as moving to Orient in 2022.

Winning League Two twice, with Swindon and Leyton Orient, as well as the 2020 EFL Trophy at Salford, Wellens is among the highest rated managers in the EFL.

Hunt, given his first full-time management role with the Royals where he was a legend in his playing days, was assistant manager to Wellens at both Swindon and Doncaster before becoming Reading Under-21 boss back in February 2022.

Remaining close, Hunt admitted he has 'nothing but respect' as the two prepare to face off at Brisbane Road on Saturday.

"They’ve been great. Obviously, I worked with the manager, he’s a good friend of mine and he’s top. It’s important that we have a gameplan and try to execute it as best we can. It doesn’t change until afterwards; we both want to win and have that competitive nature. All the stuff in terms of friendships and what not are put to the side before the game. He knows how highly I think of him and I’m sure he’ll be the same with me, but we park that until the game is over.

"He is a great guy. I know him really well and he’s a really good tactician. He’s one of the best I’ve worked with in terms of being tactically aware of the game and look at his CV, he’s won leagues and cups. He’s still a relatively young manager himself so I have nothing but respect for him."

Wellens' 22-year-old son Charlie joined the Royals youth set-up in 2023 and has gone on to make three first-team appearances for the club.

Despite the vested interest in his son's development, Hunt said: "Chaz [Charlie Wellens] played on Tuesday and did really well. It is just one of those dynamics, sometimes it happens. Rich would never get involved in that, he’s pretty good. He pushes Charlie from the other side, as any caring dad would, and that is great."

Wellens, a midfielder like his father, is still awaiting his first minutes in League One this season.

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