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Ahead of the upcoming League Two season, Robert Dearn predicts the fortunes of Ross Embleton’s O’s.
Leyton Orient
It was a turbulent pre-season for Orient last summer from the jubilation of promotion back to the Football League, to the loss in the FA Trophy, and then the devastating news that manager Justin Edinburgh had passed away. It played a big part of their pre-season, transfer activity, and not to mention the playing side, as the team entered the season still in mourning. Off the field, the club took their time to find a new manager, with Ross Embleton taking the reigns on a temporary role.
They eventually hired Carl Fletcher, who failed to register a win (other than a penalty win against Brighton U-23’s in the EFL Trophy Group Stage) in his 29-day spell as manager. They also were sent crashing out of the FA Cup by Maldon and Tiptree, which was a real low point of last season. Early into his spell, fans were calling for Fletcher to go, and all agreed that he just didn’t fit what Orient wanted, or needed. They turned back to Ross Embleton, who, in January, took the job as his own.
Results improved, and Orient ended the season with a very good spell, remaining unbeaten at home in 2020. On the field, the team found a system that worked, players knew their roles, and having Embleton be the boss allowed him to implement his style, and start to assemble his team. They struggled to find a consistent goalscorer. Midfielder Josh Wright ended up at the top of Orients charts, with eight goals, however a handful of these were from the penalty spot, so this is an area that Orient will be looking to improve.
Transfers
Orient only released a handful of players, and none really surprised fans. Dale Gorman and James Alabi both were loaned out of the club, so no-one was shocked to see them leave. Young keeper Arthur Janata also left, along with veteran striker Matt Harrold, who has re-joined the club in a coaching role. One player who did leave of their own accord, was defender Marvin Ekpiteta, who decided not to sign a new contract, and move to Blackpool instead. He didn’t exactly light up League Two in his EFL debut season, and some fans feel that he isn’t a huge loss. Others were annoyed at him leaving the club that gave him a chance, however at the end of the day, that’s football.
There has been very little in the way of players coming in. In January, Lawrence Vigouroux joined the club, and after only making a handful of appearances, he will feel like a new signing come the start of the season. Another player who joined in January was Ouss Cisse, who joined on loan. He made a big impact in his short spell, and quickly became a firm fans favourite. The O’s faithful wanted him to sign, and despite offers from higher up the leagues, he signed a permanent deal, which really bolsters that midfield.
The only other player to come in was Jordan Thomas, who joined from Norwich. The signing of a young right-back was slightly confusing, with Myles Judd, and Sam Ling available in that position, and both will now be sweating over their futures at the club.
One player that nearly left, was young striker Ruel Sotiriou. He missed the start of training, with the club talking about how they had been trying to get him to sign, and that now it is in his hands. He did eventually sign a new deal, however the rumours are that he is on a fair amount of money for a young player in League Two. He will need to keep his short run of form at the end of the 19/20 season going if he is to convince fans he wants to still be an Orient player.
Manager
Ross Embleton is a very passionate, and animated manager. He has worked as a coach for a long time, and he admits that it is tough to be in his position, and recognised as experienced, when he didn’t play in the professional game. One thing he is though, is a great coach, and man manager. His years working with academy players, to first teams, to assisting Justin Edinburgh, means that despite only being 38, he is one of the leagues most experienced coaches.
He has calmed down since becoming top dog. He had a reputation for being sent to the stands, and getting into arguments on the touchline, however this has mellowed for him. He has started to mould his team, and implement his tactics to the team, and the players are responding. He has the respect of the team, and the club as a whole. Fans are still divided, as they feel a more experienced manager would be a better option. However, no-one can doubt he is Orient through and through, and will do whatever it takes to improve the team, and club.
Targets
After a turbulent few years, and especially the last year, Orient will be hoping for a bit of stability and progression. Their 17th-placed finish was respectable, and given all that happened to the club, is something that Orient themselves won’t be too disappointed with. That being said, they ended the season a much improved team, and a team that were able to mix it up with those above them. The players, the fans, the coaching team, and the Orient hierarchy will all want to see them finish higher up the league, and even show signs that they are building to become a League One club once again. Will this season be one season too early to be looking at the play-offs? Probably, but that won’t stop the East London side feeling that they are only a few good results away from causing an upset.
Key Player
Despite Jobi McAnuff being a player who has a wealth of knowledge, and experience at this level and above, I think that Orient’s key player will be James Brophy. Brophy was a big player for Orient last season, playing at both left-back, and left midfield. On his day, his running and dribbling ability is second to none, and he finished in the top ten for most completed dribbles for the season.
Despite all his running, and skill on the ball, he struggled to score and didn’t claim too many assists. If he can improve on this side of his game, he will be an unstoppable and big player for the O’s this season.
Youth Prospect
Young Ruel Sotiriou broke into the team in December, and racked up ten appearances, scoring five goals. Having recently turned 20, and after finally agreeing a new deal with the club, the eyes of fans will be on him more than last time out. He has shown his finishing prowess, and he also has vast ability on the ball, but he will be going into the season as a known player, and one that will be expected to score his share of goals.
Fans will question his commitment and attitude towards the club, after waiting so long to pen a new deal, but many will be happy to see him in an O’s shirt. He is quick and direct, and that is what Orient lacked at times last season. It is not a coincidence that Orients better end of season form was also the same spell that Sotiriou featured in. Will he keep up the scoring rate again? O’s fans will be waiting.
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