Football Season Guide

Kenny Jackett will be looking to add another promotion to his CV after being appointed Leyton Orient manager this summer. He also has something to prove after a disappointing spell at Portsmouth. It might be an odd thing to say about a vastly-experienced manager, who can already boast three promotions, but he took something of a battering on the South Coast, with demanding Pompey fans unhappy with his style of play. It is best described as pragmatic but it might be just what the O’s need right now. They missed out on the play-offs last season despite the best efforts of player-manager Jobi McAnuff. He took over from Ross Embleton and despite some improvement it wasn’t enough. He subsequently announced his retirement as a player and admitting management wasn’t for him. One of Jackett’s first tasks has been to replace three key players, in addition to McAnuff, in the left-sided James Brophy and strikers Conor Wilkinson and Danny Johnson, all whom leave big shoes to fill. The signing of striker Harry Smith from Northampton Town clearly illustrates that Jackett will stick to his tried-and-tested style of play. Defenders Tom James and Omar Beckles are good additions; Darren Pratley will provide plenty of experience in the middle of the park whilst winger Paul Smyth will be hoping to add some end product to his blistering pace. Goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux signing a new deal is also good news and Orient can look forward to the new season with optimism.