Orient manager Russell Slade says his side’s opening day defeat to Walsall has not changed the club’s aims for the campaign.

Last season’s success has seen expectation increased around Brisbane Road but Slade insists the opening day setback changes nothing for the O’s.

When asked what his aims were for the season following the loss, Slade replied: “The same as they were before the game really – to see if we can do just that little bit better than what we did last year.

“I am not asking for much, just a little bit better than what we did last year and I think we will be fine.”

The O’s boss said he is accustomed to making a slow start to the campaign but feels there is no cause for concern at present.

He added he would rather make a slow start to the season and finish stronger.

“Knowing how to rectify it is the hard bit,” said Slade.

“I think you would rather have it that way, you would rather your team gets better.

“From a personal point of view I find it frustrating. I would love to get off one season to six straight wins or something like that because that would be a bit of a buzz really but it looks like I am going to have to wait another season for that.”

The performances from last season have seen a renewed sense of optimism at the club, with expectations high that the O’s can compete with the division’s heavyweights.

Slade believes the demands and belief of the supporters are a positive thing to be a part of and not a hindrance for his squad.

“You want that expectation because you want to be at a place that is going forward and moving forward.

“I’m not knocking that expectation – I want to be a part of that expectation. It is a marathon.

“I got four points I think from the first seven games last season and we missed out by one point so don’t get too down-hearted about it.

“It means there is room for improvement and room for more. It is nothing that a win can’t put right.”

Orient bounced back on Tuesday with penalty shootout success in the Carling Cup at Southend and will look for their first league win when they welcome Tranmere Rovers on Saturday.