Boss on visit of former club...
WE GO into the game on the back of two excellent victories and performances in our last two matches.
On Saturday we went to Bournemouth and controlled the game for long periods. I was delighted with our organisation both with and without the ball; we didn’t allow our hosts to play between our lines and kept working hard to get our reward in the end.
Bournemouth have got a good calibre of player in their team, but we stuck to our task throughout and fully deserved the three points.
Our last game here on home soil against Preston North End saw the players give me absolutely everything. We responded superbly to defeat in our previous game and also going a goal down early on to put in a fantastic all-round performance against another side who have invested heavily in their squad during the summer.
I’ve got a good, honest set of lads here who want to learn and continue their footballing education. We’ve got a tremendous team ethic and a great spirit that is serving us well.
That said, it’s about taking each game at a time and continuing to do the things we’re doing and then see where it takes us. We know only too well that football can change quickly, but we’re progressing nicely and we’ll be doing all that we can to make sure this continues.
Whilst we enjoyed bringing home three points from the south coast at the weekend and the players had a celebratory dip in the sea afterwards, which some enjoyed more than others, our focus soon turned to Tuesday's encounter.
We know that we have to be ready and prepared for another tough test against a team that are very close to my heart having spent a number of years there both as a player and coach.
I have very fond memories of my time at Leyton Orient and still have many friends at the club, but that will all be put to one side once the game gets underway.
My players have set some high standards already this season and we know that we will have to reach them if we are to get the result that we all desire.
The backing that we received from our supporters on Saturday was, once more, outstanding and I look forward to having you all right behind us on Tuesday evening and in the home games that follow this week.
DEAN SMITH