Football Season Guide

Richie Wellens repaired his damaged reputation as he guided Leyton Orient to the League Two title last season. It was an impressive achievement as they reached the ttop of the table in October and remained there for the rest of the campaign. They saw off Stevenage’s challenge in the new year and cruised to a thoroughly deserved promotion. It is a second League Two title for Wellens, who achieved the feat with Swindon Town in 2019/20. Since then he had endured failures with both Salford City and Doncaster Rovers and was arguably in the last chance saloon. He built an impressive squad which looks capable of competing at a higher level. The O’s have been dealt a couple of significant blows however with goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux and winger Paul Smyth rejecting new deals to sign with Burnley and Queens Park Rangers respectively. Vigouroux was the best keeper in the division, with the East Londoners boasting the best defensive record in the division. Sol Brynn has the unenviable task of replacing him after joining on a season-long loan from Middlesbrough. Smyth was simply outstanding in the first half of the campaign before he suffered yet more injury woes. Clearly above the level, he is going to be difficult to replace. Also above the level was midfield playmaker Idris El Mizouni, and his return for a second season on loan from Ipswich Town is a huge boost. Key to the O’s hopes this season will be goals. Dan Agyei had a breakthrough season with Crewe Alexandra but Wellens will be looking to add to his attacking options before the window closes.