Independent Leyton Orient Forum

We now have 22 players which is pretty healthy. Time for the youngsters to play a part. A couple more maybe with possible loans and any youth team to become pros. It's about done. What positions and names other than Cisse which I think is unlikely

If Ekpiteta or possibly Happe were to leave would expect a central defender to come in and will they still go with Ling or Judd at right back. I expect so unless a loan comes in. Ruel leaves then a loan striker will be brought in. All depends on outgoings.

I feel that Ekpiteta and Sotiriou have gone, thus 22 players. All areas are covered. We can field 2 teams at the minute with players in their correct positions

I like the fact that we have a settled squad. With a few additions we should be fine and could be top 10 next season.

If you look at a club like Exeter, they have released 9 players. It is not easy to bring in nine players who a better than the ones they have released.

Ruel is the big worry for me. Ekpiteta can be replaced.

It's a really weak squad at present, as it stands we lose both of the standout performers who were responsible for our late upturn in form (Sotiriou and Cissé). Also Marsh gone back who steadied up the RB position that was leaking goals for fun when Ling & Judd were playing.

Has everyone had selective memory loss of most of season just gone? Try and pick an XI that can dominate the midfield and score goals from what we have... good luck...

Last 8 games; 4 wins 2 draws 2 defeats

I agree on Cisse. We need him.

We definitely do.

Bergen wrote: ↑Fri Jul 03, 2020 9:25 pm Last 8 games; 4 wins 2 draws 2 defeats

I agree on Cisse. We need him.

There could well be better options about, but I'd be happy if he joined and continued to show the form he displayed wearing the shirt.

If ever there was a season for having 9 players leave - and having the nouse to source fresh ones - then this is it. I fancy a couple of surprises in the bottom 2 divisions next season as a couple of managers put good squads together out of nothing.

LittleMate wrote: ↑Sat Jul 04, 2020 10:40 am

Bergen wrote: ↑Fri Jul 03, 2020 9:25 pm Last 8 games; 4 wins 2 draws 2 defeats

I agree on Cisse. We need him.

There could well be better options about, but I'd be happy if he joined and continued to show the form he displayed wearing the shirt.

If ever there was a season for having 9 players leave - and having the nouse to source fresh ones - then this is it. I fancy a couple of surprises in the bottom 2 divisions next season as a couple of managers put good squads together out of nothing.

I think you could well be right on that forecast. It will be interesting to see how it pans out.

It could also be a challenging window as clubs may sit on their hands and wait to make signings once further clarity prevails as the cash flow will.be impacted by early arrivals v no or little income.

The benefit that we have is that it is a settled squad, but I dont think its good enough to challenge. Mid table for me. We lack a physical presence in midfield and striker, like Harrold and Cisse brought. To of a similar kind would transform the team. Remember, we do have the 4 youngsters who will he desperate to make an impact

Posho I think its mid to just below mid table squad with Ross in charge. I agree with a proper midfield enforcer and a striker who can score then we can look upwards.

If not we have another season of frustration to come.

Of course we dont know who else might leave, Happe etc. Could make all the difference to recruitment

Who's the 4 youngsters desperate to make a impact?

Kyprianou, Sweeney Ogie and Shabani

As it stands, we've got a pretty balanced squad; and (I would assume) are in a pretty stable position financially; compared to the majority of our competition.

It's an old cliche that every supporter wants - but I still think we're missing a 20+ goal per season contributor. That could make the difference between the play-offs, or mid-table mediocrity.

I would love to see any of those four make the matchday squad either playing or on the bench. More than likely a couple of those will be loaned out for experience with maybe Kyprianou and Ogie pushing for a starting place. In a ideal world i would love to see Ruel up front not wide and either of the above two close to first eleven.
Although i agree Ruel will probably leave.

POSHO wrote: ↑Sat Jul 04, 2020 1:07 pm Kyprianou, Sweeney Ogie and Shabani

According to Embleton's comments last season, only Kyprianou is anywhere near ready.

Ogie is apparently still not able or fit enough to concentrate for 95 minutes as shown by his Dover performances, but he will improve.

Re; the other two, us fans dont have much info on which to base a sensible opinion. I did like Sweeney when he played pre-season but he did look lightweight. I know he had a trial at Fulham last season also. I didn't understand that.

POSHO wrote: ↑Sat Jul 04, 2020 11:04 am The benefit that we have is that it is a settled squad, but I dont think its good enough to challenge. Mid table for me. We lack a physical presence in midfield and striker, like Harrold and Cisse brought. To of a similar kind would transform the team. Remember, we do have the 4 youngsters who will he desperate to make an impact

I really feel that a Harrold-type could bring the best out of Wilkinson and Johnson. Not sure about the other two front guys though.

NuneatonO's wrote: ↑Sat Jul 04, 2020 1:11 pm As it stands, we've got a pretty balanced squad; and (I would assume) are in a pretty stable position financially; compared to the majority of our competition.

It's an old cliche that every supporter wants - but I still think we're missing a 20+ goal per season contributor. That could make the difference between the play-offs, or mid-table mediocrity.

Well, they are two a penny

DuvB wrote: ↑Sat Jul 04, 2020 1:56 pm

POSHO wrote: ↑Sat Jul 04, 2020 1:07 pm Kyprianou, Sweeney Ogie and Shabani

According to Embleton's comments last season, only Kyprianou is anywhere near ready.

Ogie is apparently still not able or fit enough to concentrate for 95 minutes as shown by his Dover performances, but he will improve.

Re; the other two, us fans dont have much info on which to base a sensible opinion. I did like Sweeney when he played pre-season but he did look lightweight. I know he had a trial at Fulham last season also. I didn't understand that.

I recently spoke to Hessenthaler and I asked him about Ogie and he said he is not yet ready for the O's first team. You could drop him in the team for a few games, but to aid his development you would have to take him out again. His consistency is not quite there yet, and he plays better at home than away. He is a unit of a man and in time with the right development and exposure he will be ready for first team football, but not quite yet. Will he make it? Absolutely if handled correctly.