The New Season Awaits – Orients Weakness’

Things have been strangely positive in the Orient camp. Players, coaches and fans alike all bursting with confidence with good things to say ahead of the new campaign. It’s not something we are used to and to weigh the balance back to its normal level I’m going place a warm blanket of negativity on proceedings before the season starts.

You won’t find any clubs of Orients size and tight wage budget without question marks going into the season. It’s impossible to have cover for every position or to bring in star players on big wages for clubs like Orient. Russell Slade seems to have done a decent job this summer in keeping the team that finished 7th, one place and 3 points outside the playoffs last season, together as well as bringing in some promising young players. However, with the season starting tomorrow, there are still a few areas that look thin, where we are venerable, that may determine our season one way or another.

Goalkeeper
Lets start from the back. Make no mistake, when Jamie Jones is at his best and fully fit, he is one of, if not the best keeper in this league. Unfortunately, over the last few seasons, his shoulder injury has got the better of him. It has also been hinted at by people at the club that the shoulder problem will always be a weakness for the young goalkeeper. After he came back last season he got stronger and stronger, which is a good sign that Jamie can stay fit, however, shoulder aside, goalkeeping is a notoriously dangerous job down the O’s in recent years. If Jones does go down, we have cover in new arrival Jake Larkins and youth team product Charlie Grainger. No doubt, if need be, they will do a job for us but with 0 league caps between them and a combined age less than Deardens waistline its not the ideal place to be. Having not seen either in an actual game, im not making any judgement on their ability but we all know (2 seasons ago) what less than confident keepers can do to a team and it’s an area that may be worrying if we see Jones on the medical table again.

Full Backs
Let’s start with left back. It’s no secret that I am not in the Gary Sawyer fan club. I don't think he is the worst full back we have had, and maybe my judgement has been clouded by being spoilt in recent years in the position. He has some good games, he is mainly steady, but with the buzz around Orient this close season about the top 6, I honestly don't think a player like Sawyer would make any other of the top teams in this league. If we come up against any wingers with an ounce of pace (see Campbell-Ryce last year) he will get ripped a new one. Add to that we have 0 natural cover for him, in my mind, it’s certainly a worry.

As we move to the other side, we actually have a big selection of players who could fill the right back birth with. Cuthbert, Omozusi, Odabajo, James and Vanderhyde. Unfortunately, for me, there are a number of question marks about all of these. Firstly, I think Odabajo is our best right back, he has the pace to deal with balls over the top and pacey wingers and his attacking flare is hard to deal with. However, he does seem somewhat wasted in that position. The further forward we can play him the better. Cuthbert is a centre back, and whilst he would provide decent cover at right back, centre back is where he should be playing. Omozusi is probably the most natural right back we have. Unfortunately his positioning has always been suspect and whilst solid in other areas, this can be his undoing.  I think that we will get by with what we currently have, I think we are below average in this area.

Centre Midfield
Roman Vincelot seems like he could be our best signing since Stephen Dawson and currently looks like he will be paired with Lloyd James in the centre of midfield. Whilst James has had a very good preseason, he is one of those players that divide opinion. If he can consistently show what he is about, something we have seen glimpses of, I think he will have a good year. Regardless, if one of these two gets an injury, we are in a bit of a jam! Slade brought in Brantley from Burnley yesterday, but he has missed the majority of pre season with an injury and is only with us for 28 days. The rest of our options are 1st year pros. As with the goalkeeper situation, if they were called upon, im sure they would rise to the challenge but if we are serious about pushing for a top 6 spot, you can’t be relying on these players to do it.

Strikers
Our forwards have been very good during pre season and all have potential to have very good seasons this year. Saying that, everyone knows that if Kevin Lisbie (god forbid) breaks his leg in the first game, we are in serious trouble! Mooney and Batt will probably score somewhere between 10-15 goals this year, but with only a rough diamond in Lasimant as cover, we need to add another striker. At Lisbies age, there is no way he is going to play every game this year. Even if he manages to stay fit, something he hasn't managed to do for the last two seasons, he will still need the odd game off. Our defence was excellent last year, and we probably missed out on the playoffs due to a lack of goals and im not sure Slade has done much to improve that.

So there you go, now that's off my chest I can sit back and get excited for the start of a new season, filled with hope and optimism…only for it to disappear when we are 3-0 down at half time tomorrow. The above is a demonstration of our weakness’ but make no mistake, we are in one of the strongest positions we have been in, going into a new campaign, for some time.

Come on you O’s!!!

O's CEO Matt Porter Interview

I had the pleasure of putting a few questions to Orients Chief Exec and the club, the manager, what happens behind the scenes and Orients future. He started the role in March 2006, becoming the youngest CEO in football league history. He worked his way up from Press Officer at the club after covering Orient in the local media and worked on several projects for Matchroom including launching PokerMillions and working on Professional Darts Corporation events before landing his current role.

SLADE

After Orients awful start to the year, gaining just 3 points from a possible 30, some fans were calling for Slade’s head. Indeed, in today’s culture of hiring and firing at a rapid pace, had been at a lot of other clubs he would possibly have been queuing at the job centre by October, but according to Matt, Slade’s job was never in doubt.

“Our start was far from ideal, however at no point did we as a board or backroom team question whether Russ was the right man to do the job. For us, he is here long-term and he is happy with that!”

With a new 18 month contract signed and Orients continued push up the League One table, after possible bad feeling between chairman and manager regarding the former rejecting the later permission to talk to Barnsley in the summer, was that faith shown the reason Slade signed the new deal? Well, “Yes, plus he feels he can take this Club forward.”

SELLING

A big issue amongst fans has been regarding the clubs ambition in regards to keeping players at the club. With the January transfer window looming a lot of what happens in the next few days could impact significantly on the club. After the departure of last seasons leading scorer, and fan favourite Scott McGleish, many were surprised when his strike partner and second top scorer, Alex Revell, also left. Matt sheds some light on how the club goes about these decisions.

“The buying club will contact us with an offer. We either refuse the offer saying we don’t want to sell the player, or invite the buying club to revise their offer to a level that is acceptable. No player is sold without the manager’s blessing. Once a fee is agreed, the player is given permission to discuss personal terms, but in reality, the buying club has probably already made contact with the player’s agent and discussed figures. It’s surprising how quickly personal terms are agreed once a fee is set!”

One obvious stand out move this year was the sale of star left back, Charlie Daniels. The fee was a reported (unconfirmed) £175,000 but many Orient fans were saddened and angry to see one of the main forces behind the success of last season leave the club. What would Matt say to these fans?

“Fans need to understand the cold reality of football – most do, I think.”

While at the time the move hurt, in retrospect the move made sense bearing in mind Charlie was out of contract at the end of the season, a cold reality that the club had to accept.

“Charlie would have left this Club on a free transfer in the summer, of that there is no doubt. His agent told us he had his heart set on Championship football, but money talks and I defy anyone to say they would have turned down what he is being paid now. Good luck to him – he was a great player for us and a fantastic bloke and I wish him every success.”

Does this type of sale impact players looking to sign new contracts and come across as a lack of ambition? In Matts view, “Not at all,” and with the recent extended contract of Orients star Player, Dean Cox, it does go a way to prove the theory correct.

FUTURE

The debate surrounding the Olympic stadium and Olympic legacy has gone on and on. Orients view has been well documented and a number of club statements are clear on where we stand and Matt’s view clearly follows this.

“Personally, like most people, I am extremely disappointed and feel let down by the various authorities that no thought has been given to us when shaping the Olympic legacy – particularly when in my office I have a folder of notes from 2007 meetings where Steve Dawson and I sat down with people in office and told them the problems that would arise if they continued to do exactly what they have done!”

Where Orient goes from here is probably dependant on decisions made that are out of their hands. However, the club hasn't been sitting idle, with a proposal for a new stadium and hotel/casino complex on one of the Olympic sites which Matt felt was a good one.

“Our proposals made commercial sense, the current ones will leave an annual deficit which we do not think is desirable for anyone.” However, the proposal was rejected, putting Orient back to square one.

“We feel our proposal was rejected because the LVRPA (who have ownership of the land post-Games) did not have the appetite to re-visit their existing legacy proposals.”

With this in mind there is a feeling among the fan base that a possible move out of Leyton might be on the cards or a possible ground share with another club as Matt confirms.

“We have never ruled out leaving the area, but it is not our preferred option.” However, “Ground sharing with another football club isn’t something that has come on our radar.”

Hearn has been quoted several times stating that, to the right buyer and in the interest of the football club, he would sell the club. Is this posturing due to Orient having hardly any assets after Barry sold the ground to himself?

“No of course not. He has the option to sell the stadium along with the Club to a new investor. That would not suit every investor, but at least this way he ensures that the stadium won’t fall in to the hands of someone who would kick the football club out of it.”

And what of Hearn charging us rent in a few years, after we are losing money year on year. Would it really put us out of business?

“I have no idea how you think paying rent on our stadium would put us out of business! The rent has been clearly defined in advance and is an affordable amount –Clubs who get in to trouble on this front generally have an obscene rent amount to pay, which isn’t the case with us.” Personally I think it's a problem that will have real repercussions on the team going forward but from the Matt’s point of view it is not a problem they foresee affecting us.

PERFORMANCE ON THE PITCH

Porter was quoted as saying that we have a top ten budget in league one. With that in mind, it seems as though we have underachieved in previous years but that is not the case.

“We have a top ten budget this season – I didn’t say we had one in previous seasons.”

It is clear that this is a step in the right direction for the club, with the likes of Kevin Lisbie and Dean Leacock signing, on presumably fairly high wages and with Dean Cox signing long term on presumably better terms it is fairly easy to see where the money has gone, and in my view, it has gone to the right people.

Even though Orient are no high flyers, it cannot be argued that we have come a long way from just ten years ago. Since promotion into league one things have been a bit up and down. On the pitch it is clear we have progressed but what about behind the scenes?

“The Club has progressed immeasurably off the field in terms of our infrastructure and operation. It’s easy for fans to criticise, and of course we don’t get everything right, but I am proud of the way we operate and would confidently stand us up against any Club with similar resources in that respect.”

It does seem like the ambition we see on the pitch and especially from Slade has transferred to the board room. Without setting unrealistic goals the club seem to all be pushing in the right direction.

“We are now an established League One club and so our next aim is to be in a position each year to have a genuine chance of making the play-offs. We’re not saying it’s a failure if we don’t, but we aspire to being part of that leading group.”

And if Orient were to get to the dizzy heights of Championship football, would there be room to manoeuvre budget wise?

“Yes of course, we couldn’t possibly maintain our current budget in the Championship!”

FAVOURITES

Finally I asked Matt a couple of generic questions about the O's.

Favourite Orient moment?

“Oxford away is undoubtedly the top of the list although I actually missed the goal that got us promoted as I was checking on the TV to see if it was true that Northampton had equalised at Grimsby. It’s the only goal I’ve missed in 19 years of going to Orient matches!

Aside from that either Jonathan’s goal against Arsenal or the penalty shoot-out at Rotherham back in 1998/99. I thought we’d win that play-off final, whereas two years later against Blackpool we were always going to struggle.”

Favourite current Orient player?

“I don’t like to single any of our current players out, but I like players like Scott Cuthbert and Stephen Dawson because of their attitude and their will to win every ball they compete for.”

Favourite all time Orient player?

“In terms of all-time favourite, it’s hard to pick between who you like most as a person and who was the best player you saw for the Club so I have gone for a combination of the two and predictably picked Matt Lockwood”

I would like to extend massive thanks to Matt for taking time out of his busy day to answer questions for me.

AS

Spring In Summer?

Matthew John Spring signed for the O’s in June 2010 on a two year deal. As that contract comes to an end at the end of this season I will take a look at whether Spring will get a new contract and if he deserves one or not.

If there was ever an Orient player that divides opinions with the Orient faithful, it’s Spring. At almost every game he plays in, home, away, league or cup. Whatever stand you sit in, whatever opposition, there is usually an equal chance of hearing either exuberant sighs of ‘FFS Springy’ or ‘great ball Springy’, ‘Stop messing around Spring’ or ‘Spring is running midfield’. On fan forums, Spring causes debates and slanging matches alike on whether he is Orients lynch pin or a thorn in the teams side. After a massive 74 matches in an O’s shirt, in a season and half, what is my opinion of the midfielder? I think I’m still undecided. The good news is, hopefully this means I can put forward a fairly balanced argument on the pros and cons of re-signing Spring in the summer.

So let’s evaluate his O’s career to date. Spring started his Orient career in a steady, but unspectacular fashion. He didn’t really shine in the first portion of the 10/11 season but then again neither did a lot of the team. As the season went on and we hit our form he started to play a pivotal roll in the success that we found. Calm and composed on the ball, when on form, he can control games and this was no doubt a major factor in some of the great football that was played by the team last year.

This season has almost mirrored last for Matt. He started poorly and games against Walsall and Tranmere saw him continuously waste the ball, dwell on it for too long and generally look like he was still on holiday. Slade took a bold move and for the first time he dropped Spring for a few games. Whether this gave him a kick up the arse or he wasn’t fully fit, it seemed to work. After coming back into the team he has constantly been one of our better players and whilst still not shining in every game his better games are becoming more frequent. Against ten men Charlton, apart from the scoring the winner, he ran the game from start to finish, pinging 50 yard passes, dangerous crosses and showing composure and skill to leave defenders looking foolish.

That is the best of Spring but what about his off days? Towards the back end of last year he faded badly and made one or two crucial errors from lack of concentration that lead to crucial goals. He is sometimes infuriating to watch as he puts 2 yard passes into touch or worse, into the opposition’s path. He definitely provides more heart in mouth moments than any other player, seemingly thriving on keeping the ball until the very last minute with 4 players bearing down on him! When playing badly he can often seem like a luxury we can’t afford to cater to, as his position of playing just in front of the back four often leaves us unbalanced with lack of width to break teams down with.

Another factor in whether Spring re-signs is money. It is hard to gather contract information for League One teams and therefore, we do not really have a clue on the sort of wage that Spring demands. At a guess he is probably one of the better paid players at the club, baring in mind his senior years and the fact that he has played at a higher level for almost his entire career. Although maybe not crucial, for a team like Orient who must run a tight financial ship, if the wages of a player are deemed too high where a cheaper and possibly equally talented option can be found the club will have no problem cutting ties. See Scott McGleish! Add to this that considering he has played in over 90% of Orients games since signing his initial contract and is clearly a key player for Slade; he will probably be looking for a pay rise.

So all in all I think it’s a very close call as to whether Spring gets a new contract. Even if he does get an offer he may decline it but with now being over 30, living in the local area, with young children I think that if an offer is on the table he will sign it. I think Spring still has a lot to offer but at 33 next year will the years start catching up on a player that has a lot of work to do in every game? Add to that the fact that if he does fade away a bit, which is exactly what he did after a lot of games last year, you would have committed probably upwards of about £4,000 a week which could pay for at least 2 other, younger, albeit, less experienced or possibly less skilful players. It could also depend on how many players we manage to keep in January and the summer.

If I had a gun to my head I would say that Spring will get a new contract in the summer, I would probably be happy for him to sign a 1 year deal but committing anything more I think might be a mistake.

Please let me know your thoughts

AS

Orient's Half Time Report

It seemed as though only a few weeks back that we were basking in the wonderfully overcast Walsall. Walking through the grotty under pass, coming out of Bescott station with expectation, hope and excitement in our hearts and the towering stench of dog meat burgers in our nostrils. Football was back. Orient was back. Unfortunately so was Adam Chambers and disappointment 90 minutes later.

Twenty weeks later and the game against Charlton on New Years Eve will be the half way point of the season. Its been a mixed bag for the O’s, from 2 points from 10 games, to a fairly long unbeaten run. From cup disappointment, to last minute comebacks. From losing players to other clubs and HMS, to new players and new contracts. We currently sit (at time of writing) 17 th in the table, 5 points above the relegation zone and 10 points from the playoffs. At the start of the season this probably would have been deemed a disappointment but I would have settled for it after ten games so it is fairly hard to evaluate. To help with this below I have rated each squad player on their performance so far this season.

GOALKEEPERS

Jamie Jones

Apps: 0 Clean Sheets: 0

The last 10 moths haven’t been very good for the O’s number 1. After a string of shoulder injuries the club took the decision for Jones to get surgery which has meant that after a great campaign last year the Liverpudlian stopper hasn’t played a game so far this season. He has recently returned to training and should be pushing for his place in the new year. Hopefully he can help push Orient up the table and show us just how good he is in the second half of the season.
Mark out of 10: N/A

Lee Butcher

Apps: 17 Clean Sheets: 4

After signing a new contract in the Summer and after the injury to Jones, Butcher had to step up as Orients number 1. It has been a strange journey so far, after struggling to hold down his place in the team to on loan keepers he has improved vastly as the season progresses. Butcher started the season in goal for the O’s but was dropped after letting in 5 against Brentford, albeit only being at fault for the first. After brief stints back in goal Butcher looked more assured and confident between the sticks and unluckily, after keeping clean sheet against Rochdale and Bury injured his back in training. Once fit again, Butcher regained his place and has looked commanding and agile since his return. His main problem in the first half of season had been his kicking but in the last month it has gotten much better after no doubt lots of hard work on the training ground. He also didn’t seem confident enough to command his area in the early stages of the season but is now more vocal and seems like he has grown into the role. He has played a pivotal role in 3 of Orients wins this year by saving penalties against Southend, Preston and most recently in the 96 th minute against Notts County.
Mark out of 10: 7

Tom Lovelock

Apps: 0 Clean Sheets: 0

The 18 year old stopper was given a pro contract in the Summer but has yet to play for the O’s. If pre match warm up shot stopping is anything go by he is one for the future, but its probably not anything to go by. Unfortunately as good (or bad) as he may be he is blocked by Jones and Butcher and whoever Slade gets in on loan! I would like to see him given a chance at the end of the season if there is nothing to play for.
Mark out of 10: N/A

David Button

Apps: 1 Clean Sheets: 0

Spurs loanee Button joined on loan in August and played against Carlisle, never to be seen again. The Orient goalkeeper curse struck, Button injured his shoulder and has duly been out of action since. He made an appearance on the bench last week but with Jones returning and Butcher in decent form I cant see him playing for Orient again.
Mark out of 10: N/A

Ben Alnwick

Apps: 8 Clean Sheets: 2

I just cannot make my mind up on Alnwick. He looked like a solid keeper and after his first few games I thought he looked very good but after coming back from injury (Lovelock, its you next mate) he looked sloppy and unreliable. He didn’t make any stand out mistakes when conceding but his kicking was awful towards the end of his loan spell and looked a bit flaky between the sticks. His loan spell is now up so thanks Ben and best wishes for the future.
Mark out of 10: 6

DEFENDERS

Elliot Omozusi

Apps: 14 Goals: 0

We all know the story by now. Omozusi threw a young career away by chasing down a witness in a gangland murder case. Hopefully he can learn from it but ill base my mark on purely on field play. Omozusi started the season as the first choice right back after having a good second half of the season last year. Unfortunately old habits came back and Omozusi was left wanting a few times defensively with his positioning being the main problem. He wasn’t our worst player by all means but never showed the promise he had showed last year and seemed to go backwards. No doubt off field matters were playing on his mind but nevertheless had he not gone to prison I think he would be warming the bench at the moment.
Mark out of 10: 5

Leon McSweeney

Apps: 18 Goals: 0

Even though McSweeny was initially brought in as a midfielder he is a bit of a utility man having played at left back, right back, right midfield and centre midfield so far this season. After an injury in the first game of the season and a shocking return at left back, McSweeney has grown into the team and is now probably one of the first names down on the team sheet (mainly due to no other right back being at the club). He has developed into what seems to be a very good full back who can also get forward. McSweeneys main weakness seems to be his discipline and although not a dirty player he has already served two bans, one for 5 yellow cards and 1 for the red card against Notts County. With no cover at the position and his ability to play at several positions the O’s need him to stay ban and injury free.
Mark out of 10: 8

Charlie Daniels

Apps: 17 Goals: 0

Oh Charlie, Charlie, Charlie. Why did you have to leave me? Well, money no doubt and you cant blame the bloke. As much as it pained me when he left, time is a healer (sort of) and I’ve come to accept that the reported £200k we got for him is better than getting nothing at the end of the year. Saying that he left a big hole in the team considering he was one of our best players last year and along with Cox had about 10,000 assists. Daniels didn’t disappoint this season and even in our bad run at the start of the season was one of our best players. He genuinely seemed happy to play for the club and his surging runs down the left will be missed but hopefully he can be permanently replaced with his transfer money in January.
Mark out of 10: 8

Tony Craig

Apps: 4 Goals: 0

Coming in on loan from Milwall, Craig had a hard task replacing Daniels and although not the same threat going forward, has done a decent job at left back. He is a player whose main focus is obviously on his defence, which is no bad thing for a full back. In his limited time at the O’s he has looked good and although he has been recalled to cover a Milwall left back injury crisis (typical) there are rumours that he could be coming to us permanently in January which, I for one, would welcome.
Mark out of 10: 7

Mike Cestor

Apps: 2 Goals: 0

I haven’t actually see Cestor play this year as I was in a tipi being pounded by rain whilst he made his only start of the year against Yeovil. From all accounts he didn’t have an awful game and got well forward in the first half. I cant give him a mark yet but with Daniels gone and Craig headed back to Milwall it may now be his chance to shine. The club obviously see something in him after resigning him when Slade took the reigns of the club and I hope we give him a chance to show it.
Mark out of 10: N/A

Ben Chorley

Apps: 16 Goals: 2

Ben started the season at the heart of the Orient defence. Unfortunately his season has gone steadily downhill from there. After shipping numerous goals at the start of the year our backline tightening coincided with Chorley getting injured. Now, of course this could be pure coincidence but his odd appearance since hasn’t done anything to quash this after losing to Gillingham and MK Dons with Chorley arguably at fault for a large majority of those goals. This may well be a lack of fitness and after being a rock at the back for 2 years he deserves the benefit of the doubt but the first half of the season has been one to forget for our vice captain.
Mark out of 10: 5

Terrell Forbes

Apps: 22 Goals: 0

Mr reliable has been at it again. Unforgivably, in my opinion, dropped to third choice centre back at the start of the season, Forbes soon came back into the team and showed why he has been one of Orients most consistent players. He is nothing spectacular but has decent pace for a centre back and seems to always manage to make a vital tackle in every game. Forbes' one problem is that with the ball his distribution is awful but as my season ticket friend puts it ‘He is the best defender in the league without the ball’ as he manages to sheppard balls out and cover forwards runs with ease. I hope he continues being unspectacular but reliable at the back and doesn’t get over looked in the summer when the new contracts are being dished out.
Mark out of 10: 7

Scott Cuthbert

Apps: 23 Goals: 1

At the start of the year I thought Slade might have made a bad decision in bringing in Cuthbert after several positional errors led to goals. I now admit I was wrong. In the last 3 months the Scot has been nothing short of a rock at the back. He has a decent amount of pace and is very good in the air. I think it may have taken a little time to adjust to our game as he didn’t look particularly comfortable passing it around the back at the start of the season but has grown into the role as well as being a decent emergency right back when he has been needed to play there on the odd occasion this year. With his aerial ability (I don’t think he lost a header against Exeter) and Forbes’ pace we look strong at the back and lets hope he can keep progressing.
Mark our of 10: 8

MIDFIELDERS

Dean Cox

Apps: 21 Goals: 7

At a goal every 3 games, from midfield, Cox started where he finished last season…well almost. A shaky start to the season seemed like he was a bit frustrated and he wasn’t delivering the great crosses we came to expect last season. It turns out even our beloved tiny Cox can have a bit of bad form. However, as the season progressed so did Cox and after scoring some vital goals he started to run the midfield once more. Unfortunately, O’s fans nightmares came all at once as Cox hobbled off against Bromley with knee ligament damage. He has been out for about 6 weeks so far and is looking to make a comeback over the next few games. Whilst he has been out it is obvious how much he brings to the team as we went over 300 minutes without scoring on his departure and we haven’t looked the same threat going forward whilst Cox has been out of the team. This may be his last season with the O’s and good luck to him but here’s hoping he can give us a good send off by continuing to be a recent O’s legend.
Mark out of 10: 9

Lee Cook

Apps: 5 Goals: 0

Cook came to Orient having not played properly for over a year and I think it showed. Whilst the calibre is clearly there I think only now Cook is coming to full fitness. Brought in to replace Cox whilst he was injured he has done fairly well without shining through and has often faded from games after spells of good play. He does posses a decent left foot and is a tricky player, I just wonder where he fits if Cox comes back before his extended loan spell is up.
Mark out of 10: 6

George Porter

Apps: 22 Goals: 2

George signed at the start of last season and saw about 20 minutes in his first year. This year, he impressed in pre season and after a glut of injuries managed to push his way into the team. Already touted as a future star, Porter has been a welcome surprise at Brisbane Road. He has pace, skill and is a decent finisher but is only young which sometimes shows on the pitch. However, he will learn in time and I for one think he is a little unlucky not to have seen more playing time so far this season. He is always a dangerous player to have on the pitch and has won us 2 pens this season and got (not cheatingly) two players sent off as well as a number of assists. The 19 year old couldn’t have hoped for a better year. Again, there are rumours flying about his future at the club but if he doesn’t let the hype goes to his head he will go a long way.
Mark out of 10: 8

Moses Odabajo

Apps: 3 Goals: 0

Another young gun who has looked impressive this year, albeit in limited playing time. Odabajos main appearance came against Bromley in the FA cup where he looked dangerous whenever he got the ball. With his first touch he got in a good position to shoot but squared. Nudge told him to shoot next time and 2 minutes later his shot smashed off the post only for Smith to put in the rebound. Again, I cant fairly give him a mark with such a small amount of playing time but he is another one I hopes gets a chance at more football in the second half.
Mark out of 10: N/A

Steven Dawson

Apps: 20 Goals: 2

Captain fantastic started the season captain average. Bugged by injuries from pre season until September, Dawson struggled to boss midfield like he did last season. Finally he got fit again and returned to fine form. When Dawson is playing well it seems like the whole team does with his box to box antics and battling qualities, Dawson has come into his own over the last month. Rumours have been flying about Championship teams interested whilst the O’s have apparently offered him a new deal to make him the highest paid player at the club. Both probably aren’t the full story but if Dawson does re-sign in January it will be a major boost to the team and the morale around the club.
Mark out of 10: 8

Matthew Spring

Apps: 22 Goals: 1

Spring is a weird player isn’t he? Sometimes he is infuriating, waiting until the last second to pass the ball while 4 opposition players pray down on him or slicing a 2 yard pass out for a throw in. On the other hand, one can marvel at a 50 yard ball right on someone’s foot, or when he bosses midfield, spraying balls out left and right. Spring started the year very poorly and was dropped from the team, rightly in my opinion. The opening game against Walsall was one of the worst performances I’ve ever seen from an O’s midfielder. Saying all that, Spring has bounced back, to a degree. He isn’t setting the world alight but has been playing a lot better recently. It’s not a coincidence that when Springy is playing well so do Orient, he just needs to do it more often. It will be interesting to see if he is offered a new contract when his expires in May.
Mark out of 10: 6

Jimmy Smith

Apps: 21 Goals: 4

Jimmy is one of life’s mysteries. Personally I think he is a good player and is under rated for his movement off the ball and defensive work. However, it is still true that he can sometimes be anonymous. It’s a part of his game that needs to improve because he can drift out of games so much so that you forget he is playing. That said, whilst not being outstanding he has been solid so far which is a good base to build on for the second half of the season. Once again he has chipped in with goals and always looks dangerous going forward and his best performance, possibly ever, came only a few weeks ago against Exeter when he looked like he had a point to prove. I’m a Smith supporter but he needs to up his game to a consistent level and he could be a great player.
Mark out of 10: 7

Mark Laird

Apps: 13 Goals: 0

Lets be honest, Laird hasn’t really shown anything to prove he is anything other than…average….at best. Fair enough, he hasn’t really had a run in the team and has been mainly used as a substitute but when he has played he drifts out of games and doesn’t really seem to add anything, defensively or attackingly. No doubt he isn’t the worst midfielder in the league and considering he isn’t a first team regular isn’t a bad squad player but if he is going to prove me wrong he will have to massively step it up when he does get a chance going forward.
Mark out of 10: 4

Mark Richardson

Apps: 3 Goals: 1

The ginger ninja (just made that up) was midfield cover at the start of the season when everyone seemed to be in the sick room and although I cant give him a mark based of 3 games he didn’t fair too badly. He had a good attacking threat to him but defensively was a little shaky and his inexperience shone through on a few occasions. Will probably be a decent player one day, although not at the top level.
Mark out of 10: N/A

FORWARDS

Alex Revell Apps: 6 Goals: 0

After returning from the best season of his career, Revell didn't look like the same player. Laboured and lost come to mind but it was only 6 games before the O's parted company with the player. Rumours of a behind the scenes bust ups circultated but we will never truely know. We have missed his work rate but the fee we got wasn't bad.

Mark out of 10: 5

Kevin Lisbie

Apps: 15 Goals: 6

Slade must be credited with getting a player of Lisbies ability to come to us and after scoring goals, to sign a longer contract. Since he has been an O, despite the odd average game, his hold up play and ability to dummy his way past defenders has given us some cutting edge up front that we miss without him. As well as 6 goals in just 15 games he has steadied the ship upon arrival.

Mark out of 10: 8

Jamie Cureton

Apps: 20 Goals: 0

What can you say? A player who has scored goals his whole career, who scored over 20 goals last season in a worse team than this, comes to the O's annnd...? Yep, doesn't score a goal. He is at risk at joining an illustrious club who's members include James Scowcroft and Sam Parkin. To be honest I think he will come good in the end and had showed glimpses of what he is about whilst being mega unlucky. Overall though it hasn't been good. I get the feeling he may not be 100% happy at the O's and in some of his performances it shows. Here's to hoping he at least breaks the duck.

Mark out of 10: 5

Jonathon Tehoue

Apps: 8 Goals: 2

Whether he will ever play 90 minutes for us or not, the man, the myth, the BEAST is a legend. He started the season looking lean and strong but his unlucky bout of injuries hit again as he broke his arm in the JPT. Perhaps karma after missing from 6 yards a second before his wrist snapped. Whilst KFC profit went through the roof while injured, its good to have Jon back and within 3 touches he had scored two goals on his return. Not a great first half by any stretch but with a lack of goals up front minus Lisbie, the second half might be his time to (finally) shine.

Mark out of 10: 6

David Mooney

I'm not a fan of Mooney. To me he is Adam Boyd with half the skill and none of the poacher about him. He is light weight and after being used to our frontline charging down every ball last season it pains to watch Mooney prancing and jogging back after losing the ball. On the plus side he has the ability to supply decent through balls but has added little else so far. I hope he proves me wrong.

Apps: 24 Goals: 5

Mark out of 10: 6

MANAGER

Russell Slade

After a massive year last year expectations were high, maybe too high and after clear bad feelings lingered regarding the Barnsley job and a slow start it looked bleak at the Matchroom. However, with overall decent summer signings and the excellent backing of the chairman, Slade has bounced back and guided us up the table. With a knack for good loan signings and getting players to play for him this January might be the making, or downfall of the man with no hair.

Mark out of 10: 7

So that's about it. It's not been a great first half but not a disaster either. Let's all hope we can put together a second half like last year starting with Charlton.

UP THE O'S AND HAPPY NEW YEAR...AS

What's Going Wrong At The Orient?

So 4 games in and we are in the midst of our worst start since 1966. After last years bad start essentially kept us out of the playoffs and possibly the automatic places their was a big emphasis on hitting the ground running this year. I don't think even the most sceptical fan would have forecast 0 points, 1 goal scored and 10 conceded in the first 4 games and after unfortunately being at all of these games, I will take a look into 5 reasons why I think we are struggling so badly.

1. Have Teams Sussed Us Out?

At the start of last season a lot of people thought that we might be a long ball team looking at some of our signings. As it turned out it was the complete opposite as we tried to play out from the back and pass the ball. At times last season it was a joy to watch whilst taking teams like Sheffield Wednesday and Bristol Rovers apart. Unfortunately our reputation started to proceed us and teams started to figure us out and we didn't really have a plan b.
This year this trend has continued. Apart from Walsall, in every game this year the other team has pushed up one of their forwards to essentially stand in between our two centre backs while the midfield also pushes up meaning when our midfield do get the ball they are instantly under pressure or the midfield. The ball then comes back and we are forced into passing a long ball up to the forwards meaning the midfield is bypassed.

THE SOLUTION?

It's a tough one because I'm sure all fans would love us to play a great passing game which we are definitely capable of. However, it doesn't matter what way you are playing, if a team figures you out or stifles your play there has to be a plan b and at the moment we don't seem to have one. If we are getting pressurized at the back we have to take advantage of the space created further up the pitch by playing the ball quicker. At the moment the speed of our play means that by time the ball does get played out the opposition have regrouped their shape. If we can pull players out of position with quick passing play from the back it changes the whole game and puts the other team on the back foot.

2. The Right Side.

An ever growing debate is about the right side of our midfield. We usually play in a lopsided 3 man midfield with Spring in the holding role, Smith and Dawson central and Cox on the left all be it a slightly free, roaming role. This leaves the right of midfield, for the most part, vacant. This lack of width often means Omozusi has no support going forward and often decides against trying to beat a player for fear that if he gets caught there is noone behind him to cover. More worryingly is the clear defensive issues we have faced this from being so narrow. I can think of at least 3 goals already this year that have come as a direct consequence of no right midfielder covering or closing down. Teams are now using this against us. Wycombe played a true winger down the left in Joel Grant who ripped us a apart and in the second half at Brentford it was clear that they had been told to double up on Cox and Daniels because they knew they could risk a hole down the right, thus stopping our only attacking threat which is from the left.

THE SOLUTION?

Let's not forget that the same formation as this got us to 7th last year so it goes back to the first point that teams have figured us out and are now playing to our weaknesses down the right. We may actually have a ready made answer in Leon McSweeney. McSweeney got injured in the first game of the season and his natural position is on the right. We also have Obadaju who is a quick right winger and Porter who can also play there. A formation that worked for us last season was a 4-5-1 away from home. If we play this we need to do it by not sticking Revell out on the right who looks like a headless chicken out their. If Slade continues with the same formation, whoever players on the 'right', usually Smith, needs to be told to cover the right side when defending.

3. Ineffective Strike Force.

A strike force that scored over 60 times last season has scored precisely 0 goals so far. In fact the whole team have scored 1 league goal this year and frankly haven't really looked like scoring. To be fair to them they haven't had a lot of service and even when playing well in small spells this year we haven't really looked a threat in front of goal. Revell looks a different player from last season who's touch seemed to have left him and The experienced has looked like he's not at the races.

THE SOLUTION?

It may just be a case of taking some time to gel and getting to know how each player likes to play. We haven't had the best luck up front, Mooney has been injured and just getting back some fitness, Cureton only had half an hour in pre season and still looks a yard off the pace which will come with fitness and Tehoue looked good in his 15 minutes as Walsall and hour at Southend before getting sent off. Another plus sign has been Porter who has looked promising when coming on and gives us a different outlet with his pace. I would like to see Revell get a rest and Tehoue come back into the side to help us hold the ball up. Mooney looked good on the ball on Saturday and I would like to see him paired up with Jonathan. It's not all the strikers fault though as Cox needs to get in more quality crosses and the general service needs to improve.

4. Goalkeeper

With news recently that number 1, Jamie Jones will be out til at least 2012 it has been up to Lee Butcher to fill in between the sticks. Unfortunately it hasn't gone so well for the former Spurs keeper who has let in 10 goals in 4 league games. He doesn't look confident at the moment and seems to be poor at commanding his area and his kicking has been off. Don't get me wrong, I think he is a decent keeper but perhaps needs a little time to find his feet. To his credit half the goals we have conceded no keeper in the land would have stopped.

THE SOLUTION?

It may well be time to bring in a loan keeper with a bit of experience. Butchers confidence must be shot but maybe if Slade sticks with Butcher it may give him the confidence he needs. He lacks experience but he will only get that from playing and if Jones is out for longer than expected we may well have to rely on Butcher.

5. Luck.

Sometimes you just don't get the rub of the green and I don't think we have so far. Yes, its an easy excuse but if you look back to last season we had an awful start and could not get any sort of luck. This year we have let in 5 goals in 4 games from 25 or more yards. Now of course, this comes down to our defending but how many wonder goals do you see a season and how many times, at this level does a 30 yard shot end up in the top corner? Once every twenty shots from that distance? At the moment every ball seems to be bouncing for the other team and every free kick against us, every big decision (red card on Saturday anyone?

THE SOLUTION?

Well there isn't one really but luck seems to even itself out over the season and last year after luckless games at the start of last year we had our fair share of points when we didn't deserve them, a couple of dodgy penalties and a few wonder goals. It will get better!

So there we are, 5 reasons why I think this season is going wrong. Of course these are just my biased opinions so please comment and let me know your thoughts

AS

20/08/2011 - nPower League One - Brentford 5 - 0 Leyton Orient

Oh dear. It just gets worse. A London Derby which the players were apparently 'well up for' turned quickly into a farce. The result does flatter Brentford somewhat but there's no getting away from the fact Orient were crap.

It was my first trip to Griffin Park and possibly my last! I was impressed by the character of the ground compared to so many of the flat pack grounds around today (including 3 sides of Brisbane Road). While standing on the terrace I imagine the place looked exactly the same 30 years ago.

In the opening minutes Orient looked good with the ball but then just as in the last game we let in a very soft goal in the first 5 minutes and put ourselves on the back foot straight away. McGuinn picked up the ball on the left and Brentford had obviously done their homework because they had 3 men on that side of the pitch. Omozusi couldn't commit as he was out numbered, Smith was on the edge of the box but somehow thought it wasn't his job to get to the man and Richardson was slow getting back. It all added up to McGuinn having far too much time to hit a low shot into the bottom corner. Despite all the space for me Butcher should have done better at his near post.

From that point on Orient just about shaded the first half with a lot of possession but not a lot of threat going forward. The only real shot on goal was a clever chip by Cox from about 30 yards out that clipped the top of the bar. The way things are going at the moment, if that was a Brentford shot it would have hit the bar, rebounded off of Butchers head and gone in!

For me, the turning point of the game came just after Brentford scored. A ball over the top saw Mooney racing centre back Legge for the ball. Mooney got their first and was taken down when through on goal. The ref blew immediately but despite being the last defender somehow only a yellow card was issued. The ref bottled it and who knows what would have happened had it been a red with about 75 minutes to go.

The second half started and again an early goal from the opposition basically killed the game. Again, for me, a refs mistake meant that despite Alexander going in waist high on Omozusi, Brentford got given a free kick which was floated in to an unmarked Legge to nod home at the far post. Typical as well that it was a player who shouldn't have even been on the pitch.

Just a few minutes later another soft free kick got brilliant stroked into the top corner from Saunders who grabbed an almost identical 4th not long after.

To Orients credit they didn't give up and had a number of decent chances including Cureton somehow unable to make a 2 yard pass to a clean through Mooney and a clean through Cox hitting a hard hit shot too close to the keeper.

Brentford should have had a 5th when McDonald should have done better through on goal but the home team didn't have to wait long for another when Marcus Bean found himself in aches of space to turn and bury his shot in the bottom corner.

As the clock ticked down and the 700 travelling fans started to leave a good ball to the back post found Mooney who's diving header bounced off his chest and onto the post from 2 yards with Cox waiting to pass the ball into the net. As tiny Cox, just about the only player who earned their wages, walked off mouthing 'f*cking sh*t' it just about summed up Orients day.

In Review:

It just all went wrong. Simple as that. Every important decision seemed to go against us, yet again a team scores 3 against us from outside the box and again the team look fragile. The first half was a pretty decent performance for an away fixture but the team lost all shape and look all over the place at the back. Surely that's the rock bottom and things can only get better?

Ratings:

Butcher - 4 - Should have done better with the first goal and possibly the 4th. Didn't make a save but picked the ball out of the net 5 times.

Omozusi - 6 - Didnt do a lot wrong for me but was completely isolated down the right. Needs to cross the ball quicker instead of turning back every time.

Cuthbert - 5 - Individually didn't make any glaring mistakes but as a part of the two centre backs didn't do well.

Chorley - 5 - See Cuthbert.

Daniels - 7 - One of the few who didn't do too badly. Got down the left all game and linked with Cox well.

Smith - 5 - Played more centrally and didn't do a lot. Layed a few quality cross field balls over to Cox

Richardson - 4 - Did nothing. Looked out of his depth and was at fault for being out of position and not closing for their first goal.

Dawson - 5 - Huffed and puffed but still doesn't look fit.

Cox - 7 - Worked hard and caused problems for Brentford on occasion. Should have scored when clean through.

Revell - 6 - I'm not sure whether he was up front or on the right of midfield and I'm not so sure he knew either. Ran around a lot and won a fair few headers but hasn't had a sniff at goal this year.

Mooney - 6.5 - Not sure how he didn't score last minute but I thought he actually had a fairly good game. Had a good touch and held the ball up well.

Subs:

Cureton - 4 - Very disappointing so far. He couldn't make a 2 yard pass to get Mooney in and was offside about 4 times.

Laird- 6 - Looked quite assured on the ball and good to see him get some match time.

Slade - 5 - Didn't agree with taking Revell off when we were losing. Looks a bit disinterested.

Ref - 3 - Bottled the big decision of the game by not showing a red card and didn't let the game flow.

AS

Half time report - Brentford 1 - 0

We haven't been awful but again its lackluster.

Again we started on the back foot by letting in a weak goal. Again we never learn and their player was allowed to run and run unchallenged until he hit one into the bottom corner. Unfortunately butcher should have saved at his near post as well.

Chances have been few and far between. Cox hit the bar trying to chip the keeper and Omozusi made a great tackle when the ball was about to be turned in from 6 yards.

The big talking point though came in the 15th minute when Mooney ran through and got the ball before the defender who took him down. The ref gave the free kick but bizarely gave him a yellow and not a red despite him clearly being the last man.

Orient are still in this but need to come out guns blazing.