Leyton Orient’s League Two clash with Forest Green Rovers last Saturday was called off due to bad weather, giving Hackney Post Chief Sports Writer Sam Grossman the chance to ask O’s fans to reflect on their rollercoaster season so far…
The view from the stands
Leyton Orient’s League Two clash with Forest Green Rovers last Saturday was called off due to bad weather, giving Hackney Post Chief Sports Writer Sam Grossman the chance to ask O’s fans to reflect on their rollercoaster season so far…
Steve – Orient Outlook podcast
How has the season gone so far?
The season has gone as well as could have been expected after the difficult events of the summer. Adding to that, we were also stepping up a level in terms of the quality of football.
What do you think about your recruitment?
We made decent signings in the summer – ex-Os midfielder Josh Wright. Lee Angol and Conor Wilkinson. Add to this the January signings and it’s clear to see the quality of the squad has vastly improved.
Are you happy with Ross Embleton?
We definitely are. Ross is a young manager learning his trade and took over in the most difficult of situations. He was Assistant Manager at the club for two years – he knows how the board works, how to motivate the players and [given] the fact he’s Orient through and through, how could we not support him?
Who are the ‘stars’ and who are the ‘flops’?
Dan Happe has shown the form that broke him into the first team last season and Ouss Cisse has changed the dynamic of the team since his January arrival.
Louis Dennis arrived from Portsmouth with a large amount of expectation, but due to injury and a lack of form, has never really got going. Also, Carl Fletcher – 29 days as Head Coach. Nothing more to say.
Rate your season out of 10
I’d give the season a solid 7. Encouraging at points, but lots to build on.
What are the aims for the rest of the season?
Obviously we’d like to finish as high up the table as possible. Ross mentioned ending on positive goal difference (currently -9) and we can push on from there.
How keenly do you still feel Justin Edinburgh’s presence at the club as we approach the one year anniversary of his passing?
Justin Edinburgh will always be a part of Leyton Orient and his presence at the club will always be felt.
There are pictures of him around the club and we now have the newly-titled Justin Edinburgh Stand.
You can still sense that players and staff at the club are still deeply affected by his passing. What he did for Leyton Orient will never be forgotten. Up The O’s!
Daniel Gold – Leyton Orient Supporters Chat Facebook group
How has the season gone so far?
The season has gone okay – possibly better than expected. I say that based on what happened in the summer with Justin. I would also add that if we were to end up 23rd that’s totally unacceptable.
What do you think about your recruitment?
It could have been better – I don’t think we made enough quality signings. It’s fair to say in January that did improve with [Ouss] Cisse and Lawrence Vigouroux, but much more quality is needed.
Are you happy with Ross Embleton?
Embleton is a nice guy and a great coach. In regard to being a head coach, he has a lot to learn. My judgement is still open on Ross, at the moment he needs to prove to me and others he is the right man for the job. I hope he does but I haven’t seen anything yet to suggest he will.
Who are the ‘stars’ and who are the ‘flops’?
I think Cisse has been immense since we signed him – I am really hoping we can keep him. James Brophy has played out of position most of the season yet has always given 110%. Ruel Sotiriou looks to be one for the future [and I’m] very impressed with his ability.
I have been disappointed with Lee Angol and Connor Wilkinson, especially Angol.
Rate your season out of 10
I would rate the season at 5. That could change between now and April.
What are the aims for the rest of the season?
I would hope the club could reach mid-table, sign Cisse on a permanent basis and start planning now for next season.
How keenly do you still feel Justin Edinburgh’s presence at the club as we approach the one year anniversary of his passing?
Justin Edinburgh will always be remembered in the hearts of every Orient fan who experienced what he gave to the club. Justin gave this club belief and life again. He had no links to Orient previously but it was like he was one of us and always will be. The football club does need to move forward but Justin will always be a part of this club and will never be forgotten.
Jaden – OrientOnTour 1881 Youtube channel
How has the season gone so far?
Given what tragically happened to Edinburgh in the summer, this season was always going to be extremely tough, so to be sitting 17 points off the relegation zone with 11 games to go isn’t a bad position to be in.
What do you think about your recruitment?
Losing our talisman Macauley Bonne and Josh Koroma in the summer was always going to be hard. I feel as if we haven’t really replaced them properly yet. Wilkinson and Angol have come in and scored a combined total of 9 goals which for your main two strikers isn’t good enough.
Are you happy with Ross Embleton?
I was happy when Embleton was appointed. He’s Orient through and through and has that connection with the fans and players and you can see how much he wants to be successful. Yes he’s young and inexperienced as a manger but he’ll only get better and learn the more time he’s given, so hopefully all our fans now get behind him and get the positive vibe back ahead of next season.
Who are the ‘stars’ and who are the ‘flops’?
Our most consistent player this season has been Craig Clay in the middle. His work rate is phenomenal, [he] loves to get stuck in and gives 100% every game. Also watch out for George Marsh, on loan from Tottenham, who has impressed playing in the middle and in recent weeks out of position at right back with some fantastic displays. I’ve been underwhelmed with Wilkinson and Angol up top but hopefully they’ll find their shooting boots soon.
Rate your season out of 10
Out of 10, I’d give our season a 6.
What are the aims for the rest of the season?
Between now and the end of the season it’s about building for next season. Get mathematically safe soon, then we can relax a little bit. Give young players some minutes and hopefully end the season in-form to get that positive feel back around the club.
How keenly do you still feel Justin Edinburgh’s presence at the club as we approach the one year anniversary of his passing?
Every game and every day as a club collectively we all still feel Justin’s presence massively. We sing his name every game and the west Stand now being renamed the Justin Edinburgh stand was a fitting tribute by the club. As we sadly approach the first anniversary of his death, all I can say on behalf of every Orient fan is thank you Justin for giving us all some of the best memories supporting the club and for me personally my favourite ever season supporting the club. Orient loves you more than you will know.
