AFTER a flurry of transfer activity over the summer at Brisbane Road, I am - along with many other Orient fans I’m sure – quietly confident ahead of the upcoming League One season.
A lot of players left at the end of last season as Russell Slade aimed to put his own stamp on the squad, and the big question being asked is whether he has replaced them with better players. Overall, I think he probably has.
Starting in defence, replacing Stephen Purches was an absolute must in my eyes. He looked off the pace for the majority of last season and how he has found a fellow League One side to join is beyond me. However, he is Bournemouth’s problem now and replacing him with a player of Elliott Omozusi’s calibre is a real thumbs up in my view.
Losing Tamika Mkandawire was extremely disappointing. However, after three excellent seasons at the club I don’t think we could say it wasn’t on the cards. Terrell Forbes is an experienced player at this level and allthough he is stepping into the shoes of a very good player; I believe he will turn out to be an adequate replacement in the heart of our defence.
I was very surprised to see Sean Thornton head the released list at the end of last season, as on his day he can be unplayable in this division. However, off the field issues obviously played a part and thinking positively I think we’ve replaced him with two very good players in Matthew Spring and Stephen Dawson.
It’s very clear to most people (including Russell Slade) that there aren’t enough wingers at the club at the moment. However, Dean Cox is a good start on that front. In an ideal world we would see Nicky Adams back at Brisbane Road, but that seems increasingly unlikely as the weeks drag on in the transfer window this summer.
In Alex Revell, I think we’ve signed a player, who, on his day, could be a very good forward in this league. When you’re replacing someone like James Scowcroft, you don’t have much to live up to. However, I think with the right service, he could well be a very good find indeed.
Players such as Aaron Brown, George Porter and Lee Butcher have probably only been brought in as back ups. However, they will provide good competition and, with another couple of additions, I honestly believe that we can for once be looking forward to a season in the upper reaches of League One.
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