ORIENT captain Stephen Purches is looking ahead to the string of pre-season friendlies.

He wants the two new players to settle in and the established members of the squad to gear up for the start of the season, on August 8.

The O’s take on Billericay Town next Tuesday.

It will be the first game for defender Ben Chorley and striker Adrian Patulea in the red shirt of Orient, if they are picked.

Purches said: “It gets the lads together away in a new environment. You get to know each other as your spending more time together. You get to know the personalities.

"I wouldn’t say it gee's you up, but you do want to make sure you are 100 per cent ready for the new season.

“You might not perform how you want to in a couple of the games, but it’s all about a build up and getting the ball rolling.

"That’s what we're aiming to do and I’m sure the lads will want to kick off with a good performance.”

After the Billericay game, boss Geraint Williams’ team play seven more friendly matches.

Kildare County in Ireland is the sole overseas clash on the schedule.