Orient manager Russell Slade wants his side to hit the ground running

O’s boss doesn’t want to be playing catch-up

Orient’s players reported back for pre-season training this week and manager Russell Slade is desperate to make sure his team hit the ground running.

Any hopes the club had of making a mark last season disappeared after a dreadful start when Orient picked up just three points from the first 10 games.

That put them on the back foot for the rest of the campaign and Slade admitted: “It’s crucial that we get some points on the board.

“We don’t want to be playing catch-up, as it makes life difficult.”

Orient begin their season with a Capital One Cup clash at Charlton Athletic and Slade said: “It doesn’t come much tougher than that.”

After a trip to the Valley Orient launch their League One season with journey to Tranmere Rovers and the O’s chief admitted: “It’s a really tough start, but it’s important we begin well.”

In his first full season in charge O’s made a stuttering start and this time the manager will be hoping it’s third time lucky.

Half the squad reported back on Monday and the other half on Tuesday.

“It was just a case of getting them back in and testing the players,” explained Slade.

The training is due to start for real tomorrow and it will be a long pre-season before Orient launch their league campaign.

“All the sessions are planned and we’re looking forward to getting back into the swing of things,” said the O’s chief.