Leyton Orient midfielder Sammy Moore is hoping for a big season at the O’s after a summer switch from AFC Wimbledon. Speaking to Leytonorient.com after his side 1-0 win over Southend last weekend “It was a really promising performance, the perfect match to go into next weekend at home to Barnet”.
Moore is playing in what seems a favoured diamond formation stated that “everyone is fighting for their shirts from 1-11, it is up to us to put a shift in and keep our place”. The O’s have seen major change over the summer with Ian Hendon replacing Fabio Liverani as manager with Moore happy to link up with a former manager “I knew Hendon and Hess before so it was all good”.
Hendon’s appointment has hopefully seen some stability created at the East London club after a wayward season saw them relegated to the fourth tier for the first time in 10 years. Moore spoke highly of the “togetherness and unity” the squad had created in pre season, “there is a real good buzz around the place, good team spirit on and off the pitch which is needed for a promotion push. We need to make sure we hit the ground running and come off the field with 3 points”.
Hendon added Andy Hessenhaler as his assistant and it appears he has been integral to the summer recruitment for the O’s which has seen younger, hungrier players enter the building whilst some senior pro’s have been released.
- Outs – Scott Cuthbert (Luton), Romain Vincelot (Coventry), Nathan Clarke (Bradford), David Mooney (Southend), Andrea Dossena and Giavito Plasmati (Released), Kevin Lisbie and Shaun Batt (Barnet), Gary Sawyer (Plymouth), Elliot Omosuzi (Cambridge), Adam Legizins (Birmingham), Chris Dagnall (India), Josh Wright (Gillingham), Marvin Bartley (Hibs) and Darius Henderson (Scunthorpe)
- Ins – Blair Turgott (Coventry), Frazer Shaw (Dulwich Hamlet), Connor Essam (Dover), Ollie Palmer (Mansfield), Sammy Moore (Wimbledon), Sean Clohessy (Colchester), Alex Ciask (Burnley), Paul McCallum (West Ham), Alan Dunne (Millwall).
Paul McCallum has been in terrific form in pre season for the O’s and is happy to make East London a permanent home. Speaking to BBC 94.9 the striker stated “It’s what was important for me, I wanted to settle down”. McCallum is one of many signings who has worked under Ian Hendon at West Ham and the striker is happy to link up with his former manager.
The O’s are tipped by some for an immediate return to League 1 with many bookmakers putting them as fourth favorites for the title. Promotion has been spoken about in E10 with Hendon and McCallum stating that “promotion is the aim for us” but it will be tough especially as they face conference champions Barnet at home on Saturday in their opening fixture.
Tomorrow’s clash with the Bees is Orient’s first home game since their relegation and Hendon’s first as manager of the O’s. Speaking to the Waltham Forest Guardin he stated that “I’m really looking forward to it I hope a lot of fans turn up We’re playing at home and we want to try to make it a bit of a fortress. I think every manager says the same thing about the home games and I’m no different”.
- One of the major reasons Orient lost their League 1 status was their home record which was the joint worse in League 1 last year.
- Played 23 – Won 5, Drew 6, Lost 12, Scored 24, Conceded 33, Points 21
- Orient did not win a home match until November
Hendon’s side in pre-season has been seen as a high tempo, good passing side with O’s fans hoping for more of the same tomorrow. The former West Ham coach continued with the Waltham Forest Guardian “I want teams to come to Orient and not enjoy their football. I want us to enjoy playing at home and winning matches”.
The clash with Barnet has added significance with Hendon playing for the Bees between 2003 and 2009. Kevin Lisbie and Shaun Batt will be returned with Barnet after signing in the summer from the O’s and will looking to start the season with a win.
Barnet manager Martin Allen spoke to Bees Player today “We’re looking forward to tomorrow; we’ve had 5 weeks preparation and training. I think like all football lovers, players, supporters, managers and coaches, everyone looks forward to this day. He added ” Being a local London derby after winning a championship, there’s no doubt that it’s all very exciting”.
Barnet won the Conference last year after 2 seasons back in the conference, with a move to their new stadium, The Hive, Barnet are hoping for a prolonged stay in the fourth tier. Along with Batt and Lisbie; Allen has added Bira Dembele (Stevenage), Gavin Hoyte (Gillingham), Jamie Stephens (Newport).
- Top scorers away from home last season – 40 in 23 games
- Only failed to score in 2 league matches last season – 1 away
- Only 2 defeats in their last 11 games
Despite having a winning mentality Allen is weary of the O’s threat, “There is no doubt in my mind Orient will be in the top part of this league”. But Allen is keeping everything low key ahead of tomorrow with the game set to attract a big crowd, with the game being the first meeting between the sides in the League since 2006.
Team News
Orient – Paul McCallum remains a major doubt with an ankle injury and tonsillitis with Frazer Shaw, Connor Essam, Sammy Moore, Alex Ciask, Sean Clohessy all set to make their league debuts for the O’s. Newly named captain Mathieu Baudry will lead Orient out for the first time at Brisbane Road and described it “as a honour to captain this club”.
Barnet – Kevin Lisbie is a doubt after picking up an injury in pre season last weekend. Ben Tomlinson remains a doubt after an abscess in his throat. Bira Dembele and Gavin Hoyte will be pushing for a start.
Head to Head – Leyton Orient 8, Barnet 5, Draw 7 – 20 meetings
Last meeting – Leyton Orient 1-0 Barnet – 9th October 2012
- Orient are unbeaten in their last 8 games vs Barnet
- The O’s have only lost once in last 11 meetings between sides
- Barnet last won at Brisbane Road in 1997, with a 1-0 victory
Prediction – Leyton Orient 3-2 Barnet
Orient
Orient
Football Analyst 