Just got back in

[PKM]

Not the worse I’ve seen us play, we tried hard, some decent passes at times.
The problem is obvious, we let in too many goals.
Brill was poor tonight, slow getting down, poor distribution, I don’t think he’s up to the job.
Widdowson seems a decent footballer but he can’t get a cross in and strikes me as a decent NL player but not what you want to get out of L2.
I’m certainly not blaming the defeat on those two , although Brill cost us a few goals, but the midfield constantly losing possession means we were up against it.
Gorman and Clay don’t seem up to standard.I think we need 4 or 5 players to be a decent side.
New goalie, left back, right back, two midfielders.
Wingers and attackers, we are fine.
Any positives?
Harrold held the ball up well, won most of his aerial battles and passed well. Dennis looks like he is going to be a good player, Wright did ok at times.
Plenty of work for Fletcher to do.
Not sure exactly why we gave contract extensions to Brill and Widdowson, seems a mistake to me.

[Thor]

You must live close to Plymouth?

Not sure we need 4/5 players, I remember people saying we needed 7/8 when Justin took over and look how that turned out. What the players need is motivation, leadership, direction, pattern of play and of course good quality training working on shape, tactics etc backed up with a strong work ethic.

Fletch needs to get his ideas down to the coaching team quickly if he’s going to do a root and branch change or if it’s evolution (far better in my opinion) then tweak what’s broken and improve on what works well right now.

One things for certain we need to practice shooting and phases of play to get you into a position to have a shot on goal as correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t we have only 2 shots in 90 mins?

[gshaw]

We absolutely need players. Lack of investment in key areas when going up a league is being exposed.

The CM has been an issue for well over a year now, compounded by the fact we let two go and only brought one in. Still no combative CM in the squad, needs rectifying in Jan.

Keeper, Brill has been great for us but he had that injury over summer, rushed back and never looked right since. There seems to be little faith shown in Sargeant (for good reason imo) so time to get another pro in to provide cover & competition.

LB similar story, no cover or competition for Widdowson which isn't good enough to challenge at the right end of L2.

T&T need to give Fletcher funds to shape a strong squad for this level, not running on the bare bones.

[PKM]

Yes, live near Exeter.
Yes, about two or three shots. Plenty of promising positions then we play a pass too many and loose possession instead of getting the damn ball crossed into the box, or we pass it backwards ending up with Brill who then kicks it to the opposition.
We sometimes seem to want to play like Arsenal, but without the skill! Pass it around without any real penetration or if there’s a chance to cross it we pass it back. Frustrating.

[O my gawd]

We absolutely need players. Lack of investment in key areas when going up a league is being exposed.

The CM has been an issue for well over a year now, compounded by the fact we let two go and only brought one in. Still no combative CM in the squad, needs rectifying in Jan.

Keeper, Brill has been great for us but he had that injury over summer, rushed back and never looked right since. There seems to be little faith shown in Sargeant (for good reason imo) so time to get another pro in to provide cover & competition.

LB similar story, no cover or competition for Widdowson which isn't good enough to challenge at the right end of L2.

T&T need to give Fletcher funds to shape a strong squad for this level, not running on the bare bones.

Gerrard young man, you're right we need to strengthen in areas but chill just a tad. Poor result & performance but look on the bright side at least we're not Southend

[Fisch]

If we try to play like Barca with the players we have, we'll end up just like Southend. Players like Iniesta are not available so let's not think we can do it, ask Steve Davies.

[EastDerehamO]

It’s said a manager learns far more about his players in defeat than victory, so maybe that’s a positive for CF from last night.

But agree from the couple of matches I’ve seen this season and highlights from others it’s primarily the defence which is the concern.

[gshaw]

We absolutely need players. Lack of investment in key areas when going up a league is being exposed.

The CM has been an issue for well over a year now, compounded by the fact we let two go and only brought one in. Still no combative CM in the squad, needs rectifying in Jan.

Keeper, Brill has been great for us but he had that injury over summer, rushed back and never looked right since. There seems to be little faith shown in Sargeant (for good reason imo) so time to get another pro in to provide cover & competition.

LB similar story, no cover or competition for Widdowson which isn't good enough to challenge at the right end of L2.

T&T need to give Fletcher funds to shape a strong squad for this level, not running on the bare bones.

Gerrard young man, you're right we need to strengthen in areas but chill just a tad. Poor result & performance but look on the bright side at least we're not Southend

I'm not so bothered about tonight but our recruitment for this season was poor. Chequebook out in January or questions need to be asked about our finances. Squad in its current form isn't strong enough, simple as that.

[PKM]

Yes, recruitment was poor, not helped by giving contracts to three players with serious injuries.
I hope those contracts were heavily based on appearances, otherwise it must be a decent chunk of the budget wasted.
Midfield and defence is not good enough and will need to be addressed ASAP although I’m sure KF will get more out the squad than was evident last night.

[O my gawd]

We absolutely need players. Lack of investment in key areas when going up a league is being exposed.

The CM has been an issue for well over a year now, compounded by the fact we let two go and only brought one in. Still no combative CM in the squad, needs rectifying in Jan.

Keeper, Brill has been great for us but he had that injury over summer, rushed back and never looked right since. There seems to be little faith shown in Sargeant (for good reason imo) so time to get another pro in to provide cover & competition.

LB similar story, no cover or competition for Widdowson which isn't good enough to challenge at the right end of L2.

T&T need to give Fletcher funds to shape a strong squad for this level, not running on the bare bones.

Gerrard young man, you're right we need to strengthen in areas but chill just a tad. Poor result & performance but look on the bright side at least we're not Southend

I'm not so bothered about tonight but our recruitment for this season was poor. Chequebook out in January or questions need to be asked about our finances. Squad in its current form isn't strong enough, simple as that.

Recruitment poor, really ???
Angol (until injured), Wright & Wilkinson have all done well.
Marsh has impressed when he's played & Dennis has shown flashes.
With the defence, before the start of the season you would look at them all & think 25 clean sheets, these can step up a level. The same as Clay, who was last season's player of the year.
I think it's more tactical & mental why we've conceded so many (been a lot of soft goals). That said the club have January to strengthen in those areas. Upper mid table after the summer everybody has had will be a positive season. Wasn't at the game, but it seems just like a bad blip & by all accounts the first goal was blatant cheating & horrendous refereeing.
Remember Gman, chill & let the new man make his mark. There's no need to be overcritical.

[Still's Carenae]

First defeat in 5 and all the moaners are out in force.

The 2nd goal was probably because the player's were still aggrieved at the 1st, which broke there concentration. Without the former, who knows what would have happened.

[gshaw]

Yes very poor...

Sold / released 3 strikers, only signed 2 and retained Alabi
Released two CMs, only signed one and still no combative midfielder
GK, no decent cover or competition for Brill
LB, as above but replace Brill with Widdowson

Take a NL squad, sell the best bits, don't increase depth and wonder why there's a lack of options 2 months into the season with transfer window slammed shut. Naive in the extreme or is it because there's no funds there... we'll soon find out in January...

[Howling Mad Murdock]

LB, as above but replace Brill with Widdowson

Good idea.We haven't tried Widdowson in goal yet.

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

Seems a bit harsh digging out Widdowson when he spent half of the game last night playing out of position at right back. Of course he's not going to get crosses in from there.

[Thor]

Maybe the coaching team think over the course of this season Ogie will be able to step up, and by signing someone pushes his development and opportunities back.

[spen666]

…... Squad in its current form isn't strong enough, simple as that.

Erm...haven't they just won 3 out of last four games?

not bad form that I would have thought and it puts orient 2nd in current form table
https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/leag ... guide/four

[O my gawd]

Yes very poor...

Sold / released 3 strikers, only signed 2 and retained Alabi
Released two CMs, only signed one and still no combative midfielder
GK, no decent cover or competition for Brill
LB, as above but replace Brill with Widdowson

Take a NL squad, sell the best bits, don't increase depth and wonder why there's a lack of options 2 months into the season with transfer window slammed shut. Naive in the extreme or is it because there's no funds there... we'll soon find out in January...

Someone help me out here, I'm trying to stay calm
Was thst the Alabi who scored a worldie on Saturday (I know clutching at straws with that one)
League Champions with 25 clean sheets.
Signed 3 Strikers as Dennis is a forward as well.
Released 2 midfielders in their 30's & replaced them with Josh Wright 28 & George Marsh 20 from a Premier League club.
Combative Midfielder is Clay who was Player of Year. Not naiive but those are the facts.
I don't remember you making your crystal ball predictions back in June, although they would have been crass & inconsiderate given the circumstances at the time. I trust, Travis, Teague, Ling etc have their houses in order.
As I say just chill & let the professionals do their job.

[Howling Mad Murdock]

…... Squad in its current form isn't strong enough, simple as that.

Erm...haven't they just won 3 out of last four games?

not bad form that I would have thought and it puts orient 2nd in current form table
https://www.footballwebpages.co.uk/leag ... guide/four

Stop talking sense.

[BiggsyMalone]

The only position in the starting 11 that Orient are desperate in, is right back. Ling isn’t good enough and Judd doesn’t get a steady run to prove himself, whether that’s through Ling being preferred or not being relied upon due to injuries. The rest of the team is more than good enough at this level.

The recruitment in the summer has left Orient short if there’s any injuries in most positions. Most of the starting 11 and some of the bench are more than good enough at this level but the squad as a whole is good enough to stay in this league comfortably.

Going forward over the next couple of years (if promotion is what they want), the midfield needs better players. Clay is going to be an important squad player long term, Wright is a stat padder and I like Gorman but it needs to click pretty soon otherwise he won’t fulfil his potential (but the signs are good). A replacement for Brill. A replacement for Coulson.

It’s not all doom and gloom, a good manager gets these players playing at their potential. Hopefully Fletcher is that man.

[Thor]

Yes very poor...

Sold / released 3 strikers, only signed 2 and retained Alabi
Released two CMs, only signed one and still no combative midfielder
GK, no decent cover or competition for Brill
LB, as above but replace Brill with Widdowson

Take a NL squad, sell the best bits, don't increase depth and wonder why there's a lack of options 2 months into the season with transfer window slammed shut. Naive in the extreme or is it because there's no funds there... we'll soon find out in January...

Someone help me out here, I'm trying to stay calm
Was thst the Alabi who scored a worldie on Saturday (I know clutching at straws with that one)
League Champions with 25 clean sheets.
Signed 3 Strikers as Dennis is a forward as well.
Released 2 midfielders in their 30's & replaced them with Josh Wright 28 & George Marsh 20 from a Premier League club.
Combative Midfielder is Clay who was Player of Year. Not naiive but those are the facts.
I don't remember you making your crystal ball predictions back in June, although they would have been crass & inconsiderate given the circumstances at the time. I trust, Travis, Teague, Ling etc have their houses in order.
As I say just chill & let the professionals do their job.

Good post and I'm glad you can see clearly unlike some who seem to have blinkers on to anything good being done in #ourclub

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

The only position in the starting 11 that Orient are desperate in, is right back. Ling isn’t good enough and Judd doesn’t get a steady run to prove himself, whether that’s through Ling being preferred or not being relied upon due to injuries. The rest of the team is more than good enough at this level.

The recruitment in the summer has left Orient short if there’s any injuries in most positions. Most of the starting 11 and some of the bench are more than good enough at this level but the squad as a whole is good enough to stay in this league comfortably.

Going forward over the next couple of years (if promotion is what they want), the midfield needs better players. Clay is going to be an important squad player long term, Wright is a stat padder and I like Gorman but it needs to click pretty soon otherwise he won’t fulfil his potential (but the signs are good). A replacement for Brill. A replacement for Coulson.

It’s not all doom and gloom, a good manager gets these players playing at their potential. Hopefully Fletcher is that man.

Pretty reasonable assessment. Agreed that the starting 11 is in the main good enough.

I still think that the main priorities are a new keeper and a holding/enforcer in midfield, both much more important than RB. With Marvin doing ok out there and Turley to come back, we're fine (ish).

[RedDwarf 1881]

We absolutely need players. Lack of investment in key areas when going up a league is being exposed.

The CM has been an issue for well over a year now, compounded by the fact we let two go and only brought one in. Still no combative CM in the squad, needs rectifying in Jan.

Keeper, Brill has been great for us but he had that injury over summer, rushed back and never looked right since. There seems to be little faith shown in Sargeant (for good reason imo) so time to get another pro in to provide cover & competition.

LB similar story, no cover or competition for Widdowson which isn't good enough to challenge at the right end of L2.

T&T need to give Fletcher funds to shape a strong squad for this level, not running on the bare bones.

Gerrard young man, you're right we need to strengthen in areas but chill just a tad. Poor result & performance but look on the bright side at least we're not Southend

I'm not so bothered about tonight but our recruitment for this season was poor. Chequebook out in January or questions need to be asked about our finances. Squad in its current form isn't strong enough, simple as that.

While I completely agree with you pshaw, I'm thinking that after spending two season's in the National League we probably didn't have much money left to invest back in to the team . I agree about January though, funds need to be made available for Carl to strengthen the squad .

[BiggsyMalone]

The only position in the starting 11 that Orient are desperate in, is right back. Ling isn’t good enough and Judd doesn’t get a steady run to prove himself, whether that’s through Ling being preferred or not being relied upon due to injuries. The rest of the team is more than good enough at this level.

The recruitment in the summer has left Orient short if there’s any injuries in most positions. Most of the starting 11 and some of the bench are more than good enough at this level but the squad as a whole is good enough to stay in this league comfortably.

Going forward over the next couple of years (if promotion is what they want), the midfield needs better players. Clay is going to be an important squad player long term, Wright is a stat padder and I like Gorman but it needs to click pretty soon otherwise he won’t fulfil his potential (but the signs are good). A replacement for Brill. A replacement for Coulson.

It’s not all doom and gloom, a good manager gets these players playing at their potential. Hopefully Fletcher is that man.

Pretty reasonable assessment. Agreed that the starting 11 is in the main good enough.

I still think that the main priorities are a new keeper and a holding/enforcer in midfield, both much more important than RB. With Marvin doing ok out there and Turley to come back, we're fine (ish).

I’ve said it’s a priority for over a year. Marv and Turley do alright there but they’re CBs. We need a good solid right back, not stop gaps. The opposition target that area every game because they know it’s our weak spot. Whoever is in midfield won’t have to drop into right back to cover for our right backs who don’t have positional sense.

Agreed that DM/GK are important but I think we still have enough to see us through this season in those positions

[Ronnie Hotdogs]

While I completely agree with you pshaw, I'm thinking that after spending two season's in the National League we probably didn't have much money left to invest back into the team

What?

[Joe_Mayo]

Kent Teague's plan is for us to be in league one in 3 to 4 years. In which case this squad will be very different when that time comes.
This squad has shown how good they can be and how bad they can be in just two games. I'm not surprised by that as the key difference between the levels of football is the consistency of the players.
I think we have 6 or 7 players that are not established at EFL level - and at times it really shows. Some may step up and some will not. I think this squad is good enough for a strong mid table finish. Anything more would be a bonus.