 He played a crucial role in Nigel Pearson's team that reached the play-offs – only to lose to Cardiff City away in Wales.In his second season at the club, Wellens continued to play in midfield under the reign of both Paulo Sousa and Sven-Göran Eriksson.He was named Championship Player of the Month for January, and won the club's player of the year award on 3 May 2011.