'Some times I think they've got short memories' (From This Is Local London)

Leyton Orient boss accuses supporters of having short memories

9:28am Thursday 6th September 2012 in Latest Sport By Simon Mail

Leyton Orient manager Russell Slade accused supporters of having short memories after some of the away followers voiced their anger following the latest defeat.

Some fans expressed their frustration at the end of the O’s 1-0 defeat at Crawley Town on Saturday afternoon.

The loss left Orient still looking for their first point in League One after three games but Slade called for support from the club’s supporters.

Slade said: “They did seem frustrated at the end. Some times I think they’ve got short memories haven’t they?

“Since I’ve been at the club for two and a half years I think I’ve brought in £2.3m.

“I think I’ve taken them to their highest finish in the league and just now we’re going through a transition.

“It would be nice if they could stay behind the team because I’m sure the group we’ve got in there have enough ability and talent to turn it round.”

There were enough encouraging signs in the first half from the visitors and they looked a much better side with newcomers Martin Rowlands and Lee Cook in the team.

Going in level was the least Orient deserved but unfortunately they could not maintain their performance level in the second half.

Perhaps tiredness, after their Capital One Cup defeat at Everton, played a role but they were far less effective after the restart and the winner came from the hosts when Nicky Ajose netted in the 72nd minute.

The visitors were unable to offer a strong response and Crawley comfortably held out to take the three points.

Slade said: “To be honest I feel we were in there for at least a point and that would have been commendable on the back of a tough game on Wednesday night.

“In terms of our preparation we had a day less but that’s not an excuse because I thought we were well and truly in the game.

“We arguably could have got a goal in the first period. We looked a little bit tired and leggy towards the end of the game but that was understandable.

“There was nothing in the game was there? The last two league games it’s been 1-0 and against Stevenage they had one or two chances. We’ve reduced Crawley to one or two chances but that’s the difference sometimes.

“We didn’t create enough ourselves and I think we need a little bit more belief in and around the box. We need more quality to try and get ourselves a goal. It’s all about goals isn’t it? A goal here would have been a fantastic lift.”

The Orient boss continued: “I was a little bit disappointed with the lack of chances in the second half but that’s this league.

“We’re the away team and it’s not like they were battering the door down although they had some possession.

“Ryan Allsop has not had too much to do in fairness all afternoon.”
Slade does not think his side are far away from pushing up the table and has called for his players to gain the belief in the final third to convert their chances.

The former Yeovil manager said: “We just need that little bit of belief in the box with players going in and meaning it whether it’s a run or a turn and finish in the box or if you’re gambling off your front man.

“That’s got to happen because games are very tight. This was a typical League One game where there was not much in it and you just need that little bit of belief and guile to go and get a goal.”