With the potential scare of relegation to the National League South seemingly fading, there has been many suggestions by the O’s faithful to recruit new signings for next season. As soon as any possible chance of a third relegation in 4 seasons is extinguished and Orient are mathematically safe, Justin Edinburgh and Martin Ling can divert their attention on the 2018/19 campaign as we eye-up a top 7 finish. But what role can the fans play for next year as we seek promotion back into the football league?
With preparations for the new season immanent there is no doubt that Ebou Adams is a transfer target who is essential for next season. He is currently on loan from Norwich City but he’s had a great first impression on the Orient faithful and in turn they are desperate for him to commit to the club on a permanent basis. Justin Edinburgh himself has recently expressed desire to make this move happen. Apart from Adams, few names have been mentioned for transfer targets however many fans have seen the left-back, central/creative midfield and striker positions as ones where recruitments are required. One name that has been mentioned was Danny Rowe of Fylde. The striker is the top scorer in the division this season and it’s suggested that his physical style of play would work well in a partnership with Bonne. Although this is purely talk of the fans and not club staff, there is no doubt that the potential duo would score goals for fun in the National League and terrorise visiting defences at Brisbane Road.
Questions have frequently been raised by visiting supporters regarding the atmosphere at Brisbane Road. This season the team have experienced varied atmospheres with understandable toxic vibes during home defeats to Gateshead and Torquay but also more lively atmospheres Vs Guisley and Woking. Although players often get love from supporters during away victory’s, with the exception of David Money, Jobi Macunff and arguably Josh Koroma very few players have recognised and frequently heard songs. Renditions of ‘Macaulayyy Boonnne’ have been sung for the young striker (in the tune of Antonio Conte’s song at Chelsea) but when goals have dried up so too has the singing.
Fortunately off the pitch, Leyton Orient are in a safe place and the fans’ vote on next seasons away kit is evidence of how the new owners are trying their of best to help the team and please the fans. With the admirable work that Kent Teague and Nigel Travis have put into the club it’s only fair for the E10 loyal to do their bit and generate an atmosphere to help the team.
Kent Teague has been put under pressure to introduce a singing section in E10 for next season. Hopefully if this is established it would give a healthy buzz for the hopeful promotion push. This area of the ground, either in the East stand or South stand next to the away fans should give a boost to the team even if we go a goal behind. George Elokobi has recently spoken on how good support helps the team grind out results as they aim to “send the fans home happy”. A section of the ground with singing, scarfs and flags just like an England away game or the Kop end at Liverpool would be something for the club to be proud of and to help spur the players on. Moreover it would encourage more songs from the fans to transmit confidence onto the players.
For wing wizard, James Brophy there have been suggested songs of ‘Ain’t nobody like James Brophy, makes me happy makes me feel this way’ (a song that would also accommodate the name Macaulay) and ‘I saw my mate the other day he said he saw a ginger Pelé, so I asked who is he? He goes by the name of James Brophy’. Neither have spread like wildfire (despite the firey colour of James’ hair) but hopefully this is to change.
With reference back to a newly established fans favourite-Ebou Adams- it is clear that fans need to show him as much support as possible to make him feel that staying in east London is the best choice for the midfielder. It has been recommended that this could be in the form of: ‘We want you to stay, we want you to stay. Ebou Adams! We want you to stay!’ Or, ‘There’s a starman he plays in red and white, he’s name is Ebou Adams he’s our midfield dynamite!’ Similarly ‘We’ve got Adams. Ebou Adams and I just don’t think you understand. He plays in red and white. He’s our midfield dynamite, we’ve got Ebou Adams!’
‘Football for a fiver’ resulted in a higher attendance than average and positive atmosphere Brisbane Road in the O’s emphatic 3-0 win Vs Woking. Lower prices for tickets has clearly helped get more bodies through the turnstiles and it has been argued that season ticket prices should be reduced for next season to aid higher attendances. In addition a possible relegation for West Ham and fans growing further frustrated with Arsène Wenger at Arsenal could be Orient’s gain with the prospect of cheaper football attracting frustrated fans from other London clubs.