Season Review: O’s disappointment after a season where the play-off’s were never far away

After a strong first half of the season, the O’s had hoped that they may sneak into the play-off’s. But it wasn’t to be, as the goals dried, and their ability to win games stopped.

At the half way point of the season, Orient were in 7th place, and had just won their 11th game. Then came the dip in form. The O’s struggled, and lost five of the next eight, which saw them fall down the league, and manager Ross Embleton depart.

Jobi McAnuff was his replacement, and he did well to win five of the first eight games. This saw them rise up the table, into 9th. However the final eight games did not go to plan, where they only won once, and lost five. It saw Orient finish in 11th, and with a feeling of ‘what if?’, after flirting with the top seven for a lot of the season.

Five key games/moments

The biggest moment of Orient’s season also proved to be one that didn’t actually change a great deal. Orient changed manager, from Embleton to McAnuff. The issue with Ross, was that he asked the board for reinforcements in January to help with the play-off push. What followed, was a run without a win, and the board panicked. Hiring McAnuff didn’t change anything. He kept playing the same players, and in the same formation, and ultimately, got the same results.

Danny Johnson scored 17 league goals this season, and spent the first half of the season in scintillating from. However in January, he missed four league games through injury. In his 20 games after the short spell on the sidelines, he only managed three goals. He became anonymous, and struggled to finish chances that would have gone in only weeks before. The injury ended his run of form, and changed the course of their season.

Covid played a big part early in the season. Orient had to pause fixtures due to an outbreak of Covid after just two league games. However, they had been on fine form, winning three cup games, and one of their two in the league. Four wins in five was a great start to the season, and they struggled on the pitch after coming back, losing three of the next four. They also had to forfeit a dream tie against Spurs in the Carabao Cup, which was a blow for the club.

One of the highlights for Orient, was a big victory against Bolton. It was a performance where they looked a solid team throughout, and they were deserved 4-0 winners. The O’s scored some wonderful goals, and had four different names on the scoresheet. It was a performance that started to change perceptions, and showed the league that Leyton Orient could mix it up.

Orient vs Forest Green is always a fiery affair. The spell of form that saw Embleton lose his job, started with the O’s losing 1-0 to Forest Green. In the match, defender Dan Happe was sent off, and other players form dip. It was a bad day at the office against a side they so desperately try to beat.

Transfers and their impact

Leyton Orient had a consistent side going in to the 20/21 season. However the additions they made were generally underwhelming. In the summer, Orient signed three players. They managed to keep Ouss Cisse, after an impressive loan, and brought in defenders Tunji Akinola and Jordan Thomas.

Cisse was a let down all season, and never replicated the form from his loan spell, something that bewildered the fans. Jordan Thomas only played a few times, and spent a lot of time on the treatment table. He suddenly disappeared, with no news about him coming out of the club. Akinola proved a good signing, putting in consistent performances at both Centre and Right Back.

In January, Orient signed Nick Freeman and Tristan Abrahams on loan. Both were there to bolster the squad, however neither looked any better than bench warmers. Abrahams was slightly unlucky, as he was not given much game time, and when he did play, was sometimes isolated. Freeman came with experience higher up the leagues, and showed little of it.

The O’s also made the permanent acquisitions of  Dan Kemp and Adam Thompson. Thompson only made six appearances before suffering a broken ankle which ended his season. Kemp has shown glimpses that he can be a good player for the club, however he was played out of position a lot. Kemp is best as a No10, playing in behind the striker. Both McAnuff and Embleton stuck to a 4-3-3, which does not allow for this role. Kemp is a bright player, and a different manager will surely see his talent, and play to his strengths.

Key player

It is tough to single out one player. Johnson scored 17 League Two goals, but the majority came in the first half of the season, so it is tough to say he was their key man due to his season of two halves. James Brophy also had a good season, but he was played at Left-Back, when it was clear he was far better on the left side of the front three. Playing in defence limited his influence in games.

Orient voted Lawrence Vigouroux as player of the season, and that was down to the fact he was their most consistent performer. He pulled off some key saves, and commanded his area well. He is perhaps too good for the league, and O’s fans will hope he signs a new deal in the summer.

Season verdict

Orient matched pre-season expectations, but it could have been so much more for the side. With four games to go, they were one point off the play-offs, although some teams did have a game in hand. They lost all of their last four games, meaning they finished 12 points outside. All season, Orient would fight to get into a good position, then lose that form.

11th was an improvement compared to 17th the season before, but it was hugely frustrating. Sticking with the same formation made them predictable, which is why it was no surprise to see them lose more than any other club in the top half of the table.

Hopes for next season

Orient have released a lot of their players, and the refresh was needed. Many of those let go were from their National League winning team, and weren’t consistent enough to push at the upper reaches of League Two. The defining thing will be if the players offered deals accept. If they do, then there is nothing to stop them pushing the top seven, however if a lot go, then a rebuild will be needed, and a mid-table finish could be on the cards.

The vacant manager position will soon be filled, giving the fans an idea of where they are heading. It is a big appointment, especially as the person coming in will have the task of filling the gaps in the team.

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