Maidenhead v Orient matchday thread

[soloman]

Don’t think kenny will be happy with a lot of that. Second half we were second best. Still desperate for a ball playing centre midfield player. I don’t want to be too hard on hector but he had some shockers back end of last season and was really poor today. I am worried that it’s all a bit much for him in terms of standard. He doesn’t have the time on the ball he thinks he will get. No fan of Clay but he has to start first game. Defence look an upgrade on last season especially when Thompson is back. Forwards, I haven’t seen the smiths/y play so can’t comment. Drinnan looks a hard worker but he has a lot of goals to replace and I am not convinced on the evidence of today. Ruel still running into blind alleys a lot. Missed Kemp. Mid table side at best next season on the basis of that.

If we finish mid table then that is no improvement on Ross.
Must admit, I am slightly disappointed with the slow recruitment.
He needs to get this right and we are still at least 4 players short.
Hector I think is overrated and may not make the grade.

Thank God it was you who said all that as you are rarely right about anything !

[RedDwarf 1881]

Which leaves us with a squad too thin for a shot at the top. Disappointing, get a top manager in and then don't give him enough funds for a full squad after wasting so much on Embleton.

Why don't you just wait and see what happens rather than make huge speculative leaps to very dubious conclusions.

Because that's boring and if everyone did that in football we'd have no football columns, pundits, forums or discussions

Same was said when we hired an out of depth coach as manager yet we had to waste a season to "wait and see" the bleedin obvious there. We've got a quality manager at last, give him the tools to get the success we all want.

I agree with you gshaw. These last two or three signings we should push the boat out . We need to bring in that extra bit of quality that can make all the difference . No point in bringing in a manager like Kenny Jackett unless we're willing to go that extra mile with new signings .

[Top of the JES]

Overall we were good? Not how I saw the game, far from it. Poor overall and especially so second half. Not too many positives against a NL team. Still, I enjoyed my day out and it stayed dry. Still, missing half our better players. And our new RB looks a massive upgrade.

If KJ is happy with that then he is easily pleased.

So with four or five “starters” out today what exactly did you expect to see? It’s not like Maidenhead are mugs no team managed by Alan Devonshire ever are. We controlled the game first half less so second half once changes were made he’s learning a lot about the players , did we play sparkling football today no but re retained the ball comfortably until Ogie went to sleep and that actually gave Maidenhead a leg up.

KJ says he was happy, he knows exactly what he’s looking for.

You expect him to say anything different! He wants to motivate.

He and Joe Gallen were motivating the players throughout - clear and simple messages that the players are buying into. At this stage of pre season with Beccles,Thompson,Clay, Kemp, Cisse, Smyth and Smith out and more players to come in some people need to be more realistic in their expectations. I will maintain my stance that we did well today in the main, If it’s good enough for KJ I’m not going to be swayed by some of the “experts” on here.

[Dohnut]

So with four or five “starters” out today what exactly did you expect to see? It’s not like Maidenhead are mugs no team managed by Alan Devonshire ever are. We controlled the game first half less so second half once changes were made he’s learning a lot about the players , did we play sparkling football today no but re retained the ball comfortably until Ogie went to sleep and that actually gave Maidenhead a leg up.

KJ says he was happy, he knows exactly what he’s looking for.

You expect him to say anything different! He wants to motivate.

He and Joe Gallen were motivating the players throughout - clear and simple messages that the players are buying into. At this stage of pre season with Beccles,Thompson,Clay, Kemp, Cisse, Smyth and Smith out and more players to come in some people need to be more realistic in their expectations. I will maintain my stance that we did well today in the main, If it’s good enough for KJ I’m not going to be swayed by some of the “experts” on here.

Not many have the expertise of our managers, then We didn’t have the expertise of Ross either. Those of us non-experts saying he was the wrong choice got that right didn’t we, despite our lack of knowledge.

The game today was poor by us. Don’t need to be an expert to see that. I assume you were there, I was.

Of course we need to make allowances for so many missing players and insufficient squad depth that meant playing kids. Don’t need to be experts to see we are thin on the ground. And it seems our deadline for recruitment has gone from early August to end August. We are having a poor preseason in terms of building a side ready for league football. Maybe Covid, who knows.

[Mylo Xyloto]

At the end of that video KJ says probably two out and two more in.

Which leaves us with a squad too thin for a shot at the top. Disappointing, get a top manager in and then don't give him enough funds for a full squad after wasting so much on Embleton.

Which is exactly what Bechetti did with Hendon. Under funded squad (although much better than our current one).

[Bergen]

Trialist Marcus Barnes came off injured today with a suspected Achilles injury.

[gshaw]

some people need to be more realistic in their expectations

The expectation is top 7 at least, that's what it was by end of last season so after spending to get a quality manager in it shouldn't drop any lower else may as well have kept Embleton / McAnuff for mid-table mediocrity

Trialist Marcus Barnes came off injured today with a suspected Achilles injury.

Really feel for the guy, trying to set up his future trying out for us then that happens to him

[O Superman]

Why don't you just wait and see what happens rather than make huge speculative leaps to very dubious conclusions.

Because that's boring and if everyone did that in football we'd have no football columns, pundits, forums or discussions

Same was said when we hired an out of depth coach as manager yet we had to waste a season to "wait and see" the bleedin obvious there. We've got a quality manager at last, give him the tools to get the success we all want.

I agree with you gshaw. These last two or three signings we should push the boat out . We need to bring in that extra bit of quality that can make all the difference . No point in bringing in a manager like Kenny Jackett unless we're willing to go that extra mile with new signings .

There is no way a manager of Jackett's experience would have taken the job if he didn't have the assurance that he could bring in who he wanted. Most on here, me included, seem to think that the players he has brought in so far are an improvement on those who have left - with the possible exception of strikers. However, he clearly said at the end of the interview that more will be coming in and specifically 'up front', He also said that 2 were out - not that 2 were leaving. I'm happy to trust him to bring in what is needed, unless we are still saying that it is all down to Ling in which case, he should also take the credit for the obvious improvement in recruitment up to now.

Personally, I'd prefer to see how we are doing by, say, the middle of October rather than base my predictions on a few friendlies. Mind you, in 2 of those friendlies, we have held our own against Premiership opposition with a fair sprinkling of 1st team players which is not too shabby.

[O Superman]

At the end of that video KJ says probably two out and two more in.

Which leaves us with a squad too thin for a shot at the top. Disappointing, get a top manager in and then don't give him enough funds for a full squad after wasting so much on Embleton.

Which is exactly what Bechetti did with Hendon. Under funded squad (although much better than our current one).

'much better' in the way it got us relegated twice, you mean. Not sure what 'underfunded' means either when we were allegedly lobbing £10,000 a week at certain players

[O Superman]

So with four or five “starters” out today what exactly did you expect to see? It’s not like Maidenhead are mugs no team managed by Alan Devonshire ever are. We controlled the game first half less so second half once changes were made he’s learning a lot about the players , did we play sparkling football today no but re retained the ball comfortably until Ogie went to sleep and that actually gave Maidenhead a leg up.

KJ says he was happy, he knows exactly what he’s looking for.

You expect him to say anything different! He wants to motivate.

He and Joe Gallen were motivating the players throughout - clear and simple messages that the players are buying into. At this stage of pre season with Beccles,Thompson,Clay, Kemp, Cisse, Smyth and Smith out and more players to come in some people need to be more realistic in their expectations. I will maintain my stance that we did well today in the main, If it’s good enough for KJ I’m not going to be swayed by some of the “experts” on here.

Completely agree. The chief moaners on here seem to have been supporting Orient for the same 50+ years as me. Not sure what they have been seeing in all those years to make them think we should now be winning every match 5-0.

[gshaw]

Because that's boring and if everyone did that in football we'd have no football columns, pundits, forums or discussions

Same was said when we hired an out of depth coach as manager yet we had to waste a season to "wait and see" the bleedin obvious there. We've got a quality manager at last, give him the tools to get the success we all want.

I agree with you gshaw. These last two or three signings we should push the boat out . We need to bring in that extra bit of quality that can make all the difference . No point in bringing in a manager like Kenny Jackett unless we're willing to go that extra mile with new signings .

However, he clearly said at the end of the interview that more will be coming in and specifically 'up front', He also said that 2 were out - not that 2 were leaving.

3:10, he says we had a couple out today, then follows that with "couple out, one or two in by end of August" which seems to be a separate statement about the transfers.

Defence looks good and has improved.
Central midfield outside of Pratley is the same as last year, that's not a good thing as that area was frankly awful
Wide players, Smyth looks decent but that's only replacing Brophy, not adding any extra depth
Upfront jury is out at present, seems light of at least one player, at least promising that they're actively looking at improving that area although it may only be due to injury if Drinan has picked up a bad knock today

[RedDwarf 1881]

IMO we need another Central Midfielder and striker.

[Fisch]

just listened again, it does seem that KJ said "a couple out" answering the question about non-availability of senior players and then, referring to the transfer window, he said "a couple out" again. Cisse looks to be lost on Boco island, who else is in the frame to move away? Sarge?

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

I didn’t see yesterday’s game but come on, that’s nowhere near our first choice team, which itself is still going to change before the start of the season.

Calm down.

[moonwalk19]

Disagree.

Think KJ will be happy with a lot of what he saw today, defensively Ogie showed why he’s still work in progress switching off for the goal but otherwise Vigs had bugger all to do. Pratley and Kyprianou look a good combination and yes Hector got caught a couple of times second half but KJ wants to pass and retain the ball and that’s what he did, we showed character to get the winner with a young side and I think overall we were good. You can’t expect any side to dominate for 90 minutes.

Overall we were good? Not how I saw the game, far from it. Poor overall and especially so second half. Not too many positives against a NL team. Still, I enjoyed my day out and it stayed dry. Still, missing half our better players. And our new RB looks a massive upgrade.

If KJ is happy with that then he is easily pleased.

So with four or five “starters” out today what exactly did you expect to see? It’s not like Maidenhead are mugs no team managed by Alan Devonshire ever are. We controlled the game first half less so second half once changes were made he’s learning a lot about the players , did we play sparkling football today no but re retained the ball comfortably until Ogie went to sleep and that actually gave Maidenhead a leg up.

KJ says he was happy, he knows exactly what he’s looking for.

Is he happy or is he giving the fans a rosier picture than it is. Defensively we look sound particularly when the likes of Thompson and Beccles appear. But in all the games I have seen there is still the tendency to hoof the ball forward to players who are not particularly tall enough to win the ball in the air. We must be more competitive passing the ball through the midfield. KJ said at the start that the summer pre season is very inportant. Well he has certainly looked at all the players he has to hand including academy players and I have not seen enough to think we are going to set the league alight. We are still not creating enough clear cut chances in a game. He has had a few problems with players being away from the squad which will improve in the coming weeks but we still need a few experienced players to come in. The fact that Cisse has not been in the squad for the last 3 games tells me he does not fit into KJ plans. Clay is another player who I put into that category. This is only mid table squad at the moment who will not get 3- 0 beatings but at the same time will not get 3-0 wins.

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

But in all the games I have seen there is still the tendency to hoof the ball forward to players who are not particularly tall enough to win the ball in the air. We must be more competitive passing the ball through the midfield.

You mean the games against strong West Ham and spurs teams?

Or the game yesterday where our midfield consisted of two kids?

[Dohnut]

Overall we were good? Not how I saw the game, far from it. Poor overall and especially so second half. Not too many positives against a NL team. Still, I enjoyed my day out and it stayed dry. Still, missing half our better players. And our new RB looks a massive upgrade.

If KJ is happy with that then he is easily pleased.

So with four or five “starters” out today what exactly did you expect to see? It’s not like Maidenhead are mugs no team managed by Alan Devonshire ever are. We controlled the game first half less so second half once changes were made he’s learning a lot about the players , did we play sparkling football today no but re retained the ball comfortably until Ogie went to sleep and that actually gave Maidenhead a leg up.

KJ says he was happy, he knows exactly what he’s looking for.

Is he happy or is he giving the fans a rosier picture than it is. Defensively we look sound particularly when the likes of Thompson and Beccles appear. But in all the games I have seen there is still the tendency to hoof the ball forward to players who are not particularly tall enough to win the ball in the air. We must be more competitive passing the ball through the midfield. KJ said at the start that the summer pre season is very inportant. Well he has certainly looked at all the players he has to hand including academy players and I have not seen enough to think we are going to set the league alight. We are still not creating enough clear cut chances in a game. He has had a few problems with players being away from the squad which will improve in the coming weeks but we still need a few experienced players to come in. The fact that Cisse has not been in the squad for the last 3 games tells me he does not fit into KJ plans. Clay is another player who I put into that category. This is only mid table squad at the moment who will not get 3- 0 beatings but at the same time will not get 3-0 wins.

Was disappointed yesterday with the long high balls forward, I don’t recall Drinan winning many of them. Smith I assume will be better. Drinan is better when taking a pass and laying it off. Plenty of long balls to Ruel down the right, the new Wilko?

Happe has definitely changed his style, not immediately looking to launch a long ball forward. And generally looking better.

But too be honest I really couldn’t get any ideas about our league style of play from that. No Smyth/Kemp. Smith still missing. Hard to learn too much from it.

[moonwalk19]

But in all the games I have seen there is still the tendency to hoof the ball forward to players who are not particularly tall enough to win the ball in the air. We must be more competitive passing the ball through the midfield.

You mean the games against strong West Ham and spurs teams?

Or the game yesterday where our midfield consisted of two kids?

All the games.

[EliotNes]

I've just watched the hi-lites. I had to find my sunglasses first. Wow that was a day-glo strip we wore. I've seen duller flourescent colours on our local school lollipop lady

[Cheshunto]

I've just watched the hi-lites. I had to find my sunglasses first. Wow that was a day-glo strip we wore. I've seen duller flourescent colours on our local school lollipop lady

Can’t say I’m fond of that kit
Have Maidenhead changed their colors ??

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

But in all the games I have seen there is still the tendency to hoof the ball forward to players who are not particularly tall enough to win the ball in the air. We must be more competitive passing the ball through the midfield.

You mean the games against strong West Ham and spurs teams?

Or the game yesterday where our midfield consisted of two kids?

All the games.

If you expect us to outplay West Ham and Spurs, you’re going to be disappointed.

If you expect us to outplay Maidenhead with 6 first choice players missing, you’re going to be disappointed.

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

Highlights are now up https://www.leytonorient.com/leyton-ori ... 0_xwxmcnlp

Looks like we made a fair few chances, played our high pressing game and should have been comfortable winners if it wasn’t for Ogie switching off for a second, which will still hapoen. And with a make shift side. All positive signs.

The only negative is Drinnan spurning another headed half chance. He did exactly the same against Spurs.

[Fisch]

Who was the player with the halfway decent long throw?

[Chelmsford Swimmer]

Who was the player with the halfway decent long throw?

Tom James

[PutneyO]

I'm concerned about Aaron Drinam's injury, I hope it's not long term