ORIENT star Jason Demetriou is thinking big about what the O’s can achieve on the pitch next season.
According to the 21-year-old Cyprus international, Orient, under boss Geraint Williams, can mount a raid on the League One play-off places.
He told the Guardian this week: “We have a very good squad and I said in my meeting with the gaffer that I personally think we can compete for a play-off spot, with the staff and players we have.
“There's no reason why not. It’s a young determined squad and I really believe we can do well. The squad we've got now looks promising.”
But as ambitious Demetriou is one of Orient's most bankable assets, there has been speculation he might leave for another club before he can help fire the O's up League One.
But now he has moved to quash that rumour, telling the Guardian he loves life at Brisbane Road.
“I think there was a little bit of speculation, but I’m willing to commit my future to Orient and I'd love to do so,” he said.
“If an offer came in for me from Orient, then I'd sign it, as I’m very happy.”
The squad have been in training for a week now, and the new signings have had the chance to show their new team-mates why they have been signed.
Demetriou is impressed by defender Ben Chorley and striker Adrian Patulea.
“It’s been nice to meet the new boys,” he said. “They're quality lads and look like quality signings too.
“Ben is a lovely lad, but on the pitch he takes no prisoners. From what I’ve seen of him, he’s a brilliant signing. I think he'll be an excellent addition to our back line.
“Adrian has looked awesome at finishing and I’m looking forward to seeing him in action. We've all heard about him carrying his wife on his back, but we're yet to see it.”
Demetriou also revealed that he has his own personal targets.
He has been guzzling food and pumping iron in order to build up his physique for the campaign ahead.
“The boys look in top shape and everyone's raring to go. I was carrying a bit extra when I returned, as I've been doing weights a lot," he said.
“I need to put it on so it's good for me. If I can keep turning the mass into muscle, it'll benefit me. I always want to beef up and it's always hard for me. I’ve tried the lot. I tried eating only healthy, that didn’t work. I tried eating healthy with a bit of junk, that didn’t work. But now thankfully I’m adding weight and muscle.”
Demetriou looks set to be a substantial presence for the O’s, and not just size-wise. He wants to be a force.
“I’m more than ever ready for this season,” he said. “And I’ve set myself some big targets. I‘m looking to kick on more than ever.”
Now kick off draws ever closer and thoughts are starting to turn to the first clash: Bristol Rovers away.
“The games will start to come thick and fast in pre-season and, when the Bristol Rovers game comes, we want to go there and get three points.“
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