Independent Leyton Orient Forum

From the Times article, I think these are the players alluded to as here next year:

Keepers: Brill

Defenders: Widdowson, Coulson, Turley, Happe, Ling, Judd, Sweeney, Ekpiteta (I presume he will sign)

Midfielders: Clay, Wright, Brophy, JMD, Shabani, Dayton (option, not sure who triggers it)

Forwards: Angol, Wilkinson, Dennis

I don't think this is too bad. I do believe a better fourth striker can come in to really push Angol/Wilkinson for a spot. With Marsh only loan and maybe Dayton gone there is space there for the dynamic central midfielder (one senior, one youngster) and also a couple of wingers with good end product (again, one senior, one youngster).

In goal, Brill can simply go back to being coach and we get a senior keeper in, Brill can be sub if Sarge/Janata are released.

Defence is the problem. A Happe/Ekpiteta combo with two proven full-backs would be my choice but some would have to leave or the backup would be quite weak.

In my view that is 6-8 signings (and a good manager) would transform us into a play-off side but let's be honest, we've made it harder for ourselves for dishing out 2-year renewals to 6 players blind who are worth no transfer fee. There would have been no harm in waiting.

Happe will be sold either xmas or more likely close season.

Thor wrote: ↑Tue Nov 19, 2019 12:12 pm Happe will be sold either xmas or more likely close season.

Who is the buyer?

18 players are contracted for next season, with 10 currently out of contract. From Martin Ling in video.

i can't believe these players have contracts for this long

We've just renewed a load of them.

Max B Gold wrote: ↑Tue Nov 19, 2019 1:18 pm

Thor wrote: ↑Tue Nov 19, 2019 12:12 pm Happe will be sold either xmas or more likely close season.

Who is the buyer?

Who knows, but he won't be here that's for sure. Spurs offered 300k previously and we said no we want 500k, let's see if they come back. Someone will take a chance on his as he's good.

Astonished we have so many contracted next season. Load of deadwood in that list not going to be a good year next year either then.

The same was said before the last season by many on here and look how that turned out.

Thor wrote: ↑Tue Nov 19, 2019 10:02 pm The same was said before the last season by many on here and look how that turned out.

Haven’t got Bonne and Koroma this season to cover over our glaring weaknesses.

Adz wrote: ↑Tue Nov 19, 2019 9:48 pm Astonished we have so many contracted next season. Load of deadwood in that list not going to be a good year next year either then.

If they become squad / cover players we could improve. Brill as second keeper competing with another pro for example would be fine.

CB I see both Ekpiteta and Happe going. Can't see Marvin signing a new contract or you'd think he would've done it by now when all the others extended theirs. Happe would be a case of balancing the books to cover the Fletcher payoff if it happens.

One of Ling and Judd needs to move on, likely the latter given how bit-part he's been this season. Be interesting to see where Turley plays when fully fit as to whether he becomes one of the CB options or stays as RB.

CM is the major weak spot, with Clay and Wright under contract we need to bring in two quality players. Put Dennis in midfield as he's shown he's definitely more of a winger than a striker.

Upfront same as CM we need two quality options coming in asap.

Wonder what the issue is with Marv?

RedO wrote: ↑Tue Nov 19, 2019 10:31 pm Wonder what the issue is with Marv?

Probably knows he has options as a free agent and can jump up a league. Even with his poorer form this year still young enough to be worth a gamble to an L1 side

I would like to think that the delay is purely down to his representative negotiating a good deal for him.

No more sentiment .
Brill to revert to coach
Ling and Judd both injury prone.
Coulson lacks pace for this League
Turkey .jury out until fit
Happe will be transferred to raise a few bob
Marv .Will he agree a new contract
Clay to be transfer listed
Harrold will not be offered another contract
Alabi .Transfer in January
Dayton .Injury prone must go
Ling has a headache in trying to replace with players that will fit in with the clubs ethos

I really don't understand why everyone loves Turley? Only been at the club 11 months and has been injured for most of that. No way should he have got a two year deal in the summer.

Totally agree with this. Can't see what all the fuss is about this guy. He is essentially a non-league player. He will be 30 in April and has only played half a dozen league games for Newport and then, after another handful of league games, was released by a Notts County side who were relegated from League 2 last season. God knows why we gave him a two year contract.