Ahead of tomorrow night’s match versus Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road in League One, which will be refereed by Sam Allison, we have done a Q&A with two Leyton Orient supporters. Thank you to Steve and Paul from the Orient Outlook Podcast for answering our questions!
NEW QUIZ: How much can you remember/do you know about the match between Leyton Orient at Lincoln City at Brisbane Road in 2005? Have a go at the quiz at the bottom of the page or simply CLICK HERE (opens in a new window)!
You can discuss what has been said in this article here, and get involved with our pre-match discussion!
How long have you supported Leyton Orient?
Steve & Paul have supported the O’s since the late 80’s and early 90’s, following being taken to their first games by Steve’s older cousin (a Tuesday night under the floodlights) and Paul’s dad (a home game against Stoke) many moons ago.
What are your hopes and expectations for the 2023/24 season?
We both started the season fairly optimistic, but the gap between League One and League Two is probably wider than some slightly expected. We’d both take a comfortable mid-table finish with no drama, but wouldn’t be adverse to a higher-placed finish if possible. Although going into the game we sit 13th in League One, which isn’t bad going at all really, and looking bad at some missed chances/defensive lapses, we could and maybe should be higher.
What do you think of your manager?
We both love Super Richie Wellens. He’s only been at the club for just over 18 months, but it feels like much longer. A title winner in his first full season has got the respect of everyone at the club and there is no doubt in our minds that he has the ability to manage at a higher level.
Style of play and tactics – direct/passing/hybrid?
We started the season playing the ball on the floor with a very patient style, but after losing 3-0 at home to Stevenage (who pressed us which we couldn’t deal with) we have seen a more varied style of play with 3 at the back and wingbacks being used, which has seen an improvement in the form of the team and the recent run of results as we have become much harder to beat up until our last home fixture against Oxford, who were simply to good for us, however, we could have nicked a point at the end of that match.
One(s) to watch now and in the future?
Midfielder Ethan Galbraith arrived in the summer from Manchester United and has looked very impressive (although he is suspended for this game), Idris El-Mizouni has returned on loan from Ipswich Town for a second season and has made the jump to League One easily, and up top Ruel Sotiriou seems to be in a decent run of form at the moment.
Random fact about your Club?
Founded in 1881, London’s second oldest club!
Which were your favourite and least favourite matches involving Leyton Orient?
A few that stand out, Oxford away to get promoted back in 2005 on the final day of the season, with the final kick of the game, the 1-1 home draw against Arsenal in the FA Cup back in 2011 is still fondly remembered, the play off Semi at home to Posh back in 2014 and leaping onto the pitch at full time knowing we were going to Wembley was special and the 3-1 home win against Bromley a few years ago on remembrance weekend with the O’s wearing the Chevron shirt was very special.
Which sides do you think will finish in the top six and which will finish in the bottom four?
As it stands you’d be surprised if Portsmouth, Oxford and Bolton weren’t up there, with Barnsley, Posh, and Derby all looking good for a play-off place. At the bottom no idea as Cheltenham seem to be improving, as do others who didn’t have the best start.
What are your thoughts on Lincoln City?
Tough one to call with your recent managerial appointment and him only having one game to manage so far. When we played you earlier this season (in the original match) thought you were similar to us in terms of making a few chances but didn’t put them away, however, up until the finishing point of that match I couldn’t see Lincoln finding an equaliser. You’ve got some decent players though and we’ll have to concentrate fully to get anything from this game and prevent the old ‘new manager bounce’.
What is your prediction for this match?
Think we will play it safe and go for a 1-1 draw in this one.
"We'd both take a comfortable mid-table finish with no drama." (Q&A):https://t.co/3daqmvSpBQ
Thank you to @supero1881 & @stevienuss from @OrientOutlook for answering our questions!#LOFC #OneOrient #WeAreImps
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) November 20, 2023
