ORIENT chairman Barry Hearn has offered Russell Slade a two-year contract.

Hearn is now waiting for Slade to sign, and that is expected to happen tomorrow (Monday).

Speaking after the Colchester Utd defeat on Saturday, when he made a surprise appearance at the post-match press conference, Hearn said: "He’ll be signing on Monday for the next two years".

"I'm very, very pleased with Russell Slade. It's only five games, but I like what he’s bringing to the table".

And Hearn even set Slade the tall task of leading Orient into next season's play-off final.

"We’re in the dream factory" explained the chairman.

"The manager at this level has the toughest job in the world. He has limited resources, but everyone, including myself, expects him to do a miracle job.

"Not since that man did a fantastic job with the loaves and fishes have we ever given such a challenge to one person.

"Never have so few season tickets owed so much to one person.

"We’re looking forward to next year. It’s going to be some fun and we’ll upset a lot of people. I'm very confident of ending the season at the play-off final".