If others see us as a small club then that’s fine

4:17pm Thursday 7th August 2008

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WITH the start of the season now upon us, it is time to reflect on what we expect from the months ahead.

In many people’s eyes, we will be one of the favourites to be among the relegation candidates and that’s fine.

So, too, is the view that, along with Cheltenham, we will be the smallest clubs in League 1.

It is a situation, and a view, that, outside of the club, we are quite happy to perpetuate.

However, within the club, we will continue to work hard to get the mental belief that we are more than capable of competing at this level.

We know that we have to be spot-on in anything that we do, the team highly motivated and well-organised and the players close to the top of their form.

But what we have to ensure is that there is no mental block about going to the big clubs.

We had a little tase of going to Elland Road and playing Leeds in front of a big crowd and being able to compete. In fact, we played well on that night so there should be no fears about what we are about to encounter.

The talk within the club has got to be brave without being stupid. Can we finish in the top half of the table? Can we be in contention for a play-off place? Or are we going to fulfil people’s expectations and be fighting against relegation?

Certainly the squad needs strengthening further and, without doubt, some of the players have not performed anywhere near their capabilities through the pre-season programme. That is a little cause for concern.

We have had some good tests in our pre-season games against good opposition. Although we have not won, apart from at Ledbury, I have known that happen to sides before and suddenly they start the season off flying.

The one thing that defeat brings is focus of attention on what needs to be worked at in training and what individuals need to do to improve.

I have got a fairly clear picture in my mind of who has done enough through the pre-season programme to justify a place in the starting line-up.

Reputations and past records can count for nothing when it comes to selecting the team for Leyton Orient.

Despite having been in management for many years, the enthusiasm has not left me - the anticipation of what is ahead, the challenges that we have to face, the ups-and-downs of the forthcoming season. It still gives me as much of a buzz as it ever has.

And this one could be as big a challenge as I have ever faced.