Cameras Roll But Orient Happy Not To Be The Main Focus

Rewind a year and Leyton Orient were the opening day BT Sport box office attraction.

A big show expected from the division’s big boys at Sutton United. Ultimately they didn’t really show up in south west London, but the fans at least had their club back after a torrid few years which predictably for some ended in relegation.

Last month, O’s bosses had a similar call from the producer for an early start. But manager Justin Edinburgh this time thinks he knows why.

“Let’s be honest, we all know why we’re up there at lunchtime and kicking off early on Saturday,” he told us as we build up to the live curtain raiser this weekend.

“The publicity Salford have generated for the past three years is huge. If you don’t know what they’ve been up to, then I don’t know where you’ve been! They’ve raised the profile of the league and they’ll be excited about what’s ahead.

“In a way it’s quite nice that they are the focus and not us as much. Sometimes when there is someone else to be spoken about then it offers you some breathing time.

“Don’t get me wrong, we’ve got our goals and ambitions. There’s pressure, but actually it’s more of a pressure from within.

“I believe we are the biggest club in the league, and I’m not just saying that as the manager of Leyton Orient. But Salford are very ambitious. It’s a good first game for all concerned.”

Edinburgh wasn’t at Gander Green Lane last season as the rain came down, the day an excellent metaphor for their first National League season. Dark clouds with the occasional sunny outbreak teasing supporters that the storms will soon pass.

“To be honest I didn’t want the season to end,” Edinburgh told us. “I came here on the last day on November remember. I’d had my break. I was just getting back into the swing of things!

“Also we didn’t have too much work to do in May and June. We knew we were keeping most players and just added a few.

“They showed real consistency last season and I enjoyed working with them for those five months. I felt big changes weren’t required and now they need to show me why we stuck with them.”

Many are wondering quite how Macauley Bonne hasn’t been snapped up - especially with four other forwards on their books and with the club potentially dipping into the market to get another soon.

So, we asked. With the days ticking down to the closing of the transfer window will their top scorer be staying?

“Absolutely,” Edinburgh stressed. “We have had bids but credit to the board, they have stood their ground.

“I’ve got to say Macca has been first class. We’ve seen it before haven’t we? Clubs bid for players and suddenly they aren’t happy.

“This lad has been a breath of fresh air. He recognises we are right behind him and he appreciates the platform Leyton Orient has given him to score the goals he has.

“Keeping him here is great news for everyone. He’s bursting for the season to start, as is everyone. I didn’t need another break and neither did most of them!”

Don’t miss the big match on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport 4K UHD from midday on Saturday.