MARTIN Ling was happy to see shine a player whom he signed for Orient two years ago when he was boss there.

But that was about as good as it got for the Cambridge United manager last Saturday, as keeper Jamie Jones pulled off a string of saves to deny his side at the Abbey Stadium.

It was a display which showed why Ling signed him up as a youngster from Everton.

Adam Marriott, in particular, was left frustrated by the in-form Jones, as the U’s slipped to a 3-1 home defeat which was their third loss in a row during the pre-season.

Jones’ performance was among the highlights of what Ling confessed was a 'strange' match for him.

“Having been at Leyton Orient for 13 years, it’s very much in your system,” said the former midfielder.

“It was strange to face my old club, even though it was a non-competitive fixture.

“Maybe it would have been better to have been a third-round FA Cup tie.”

“There are only three (players) left from when I was there, including their best player on the day, Jamie Jones, whom I signed."

Ling now has plenty to do ahead of the start of Cambridge’s campaign in the Conference national.

But he reckons chairman Barry Hearn picked well when he made Russell Slade manager at Brisbane Road.

“I think Russell Slade has put a good squad together,” he said.

“There has been a bit of change around in that 18-month period since I left, but I think Russ is good for the club and they will be okay with him.”

Cambridge have the potential to rival Orient in size and stature, according to Ling.

“I believe we can be an Orient in terms of size of support, and that we could get into League One,” he said.

“I am looking at finishing in the top five this year and have a squad capable of doing that.

“But it is a difficult division to get out of and there are a dozen former League teams who will be saying the same things as us.”