In his last fan blog, Pandamonium editor and O's supporter Mat Roper gives us his slant on all things Leyton Orient.
SO, it's all but over - no, not the world, but just as disappointing.
It's Orient's challenge to get back into the second tier of English football for almost 30 years. What a massive shame it has come to this. There we were in November, bowling along. Cup wins, victories on the road, a scoring striker and everything looked rosy.
Now (I am not going to dwell on it too much as it's to depressing and unless the Guardian can supply a click this link for the Samaritans I wouldn't dare risk summing up the second half of the campaign) it's all gone pear shaped and we are all left scratching our heads as to what went wrong. The pessimists are blaming Barry Hearn and the lack of investment, the optimists are hoping for a play-off push next time around and the players are left to play for pride and contracts!
I really dont know what was put in the players Christmas turkeys or crackers, but it really has been a shocking second half of the season. It's very difficult to explain and I cannot see any one clear reason why this season all went wrong.
Some have talked about lack of investment, some have started to question Martin Ling and his tactics, some have blamed the players heart (and aptitude in some cases) and some even think we have been unlucky.
I have said before that I would doubt there is one single thing that has caused this complete explosion. I think we should have invested, I think we should have had a bigger squad and I also think the players should have been better and played with perhaps more confidence, especially when you think they should have been bubbling over come the New Year or thereabouts.
The big rumour and question doing the rounds now is if Ling should leave - no matter of whether he is pushed or whether he jumps. I cant see why myself. I can understand that if the board are not giving him further funds (and there has been a big rumour doing the rounds recently about a bit of a row between Barry Hearn and Martin Ling about transfers, loans etc) he might feel the time is right to move on. I sincerely hope not, as I think it will be difficult to replace him. I am not saying he's the best thing since sliced bread, but no matter which side of the fence you sit on, he deserves the right to give it another go next season, and I dont think anyone would disagree with that!
The club obviously - although I do hate agreeing these bloomin statements that have been trawled out over the last few months - has improved again. But next season will be the toughest yet, no matter who is at the helm. Improvement can only be counted as a place in the top six, and that is a very tough long nine months hard work.
It is achievable, but when you look at how tight the division will be and the last few months form, so is the dreaded "R" word.
I am, as you all know, not one to be talking about going backwards, and hopefully we can push on and really give it a good go next year. Perhaps we should just start badly then come with a massive run - take that form into the play-offs and win the thing at Wembley!
Anyway, it's nearly all over bar the shouting and lets just hope we can salvage some pride, starting with a win over Leeds this weekend. Everyone is well aware of what happened up there earlier in the season and we already owe them one for that, so lets make sure we get behind the team and send them back up the M1, tails between their legs, and play off hopes in tatters - bit like ours!
New Panda out Saturday - last of the season. It has a great 8 page feature on our spectacular cup run of 77/78, past games, Dales Tales, Short History (1881, the early years), Letters, Pics, Stats and all the regular features. 32 pages of fun for the usual price.
Outside the West Side before the game and in the North Stand / West Side at HT.
Also, please remember I am working hard on a fanzine style book for the start of next season on our 50 greatest games ever seen. The "book" is 56 pages, filled with match reports, memories and photos and will be on sale at the start of next season, priced just £2 - what a bargain!
Until next time, up the O's
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article