Kevin Nugent has been handed the Leyton Orient manager’s job on an interim basis until the end of the season after discussions with the club’s Italian hierarchy.

Nugent was offered the position as interim boss on Friday, which he accepted, but when speaking to the press after the 2-2 draw at Sheffield United didn’t want to detract from the performance of the O’s on the day.

And Nugent now hopes to focus on the job at hand and get the club back up the table after slipping into the relegation zone despite the point picked up at Bramall Lane.

“It’s been business as normal since this whole situation has arrived,” said Nugent.

“It’s slightly different now because on Friday I signed an amendment to my contract which gives me a role to manage the team on an interim basis. I have been given the role as interim manager and my contract has been amended to that. That was signed on Friday before the Sheffield United game so I am very happy about that.

“The players didn’t know the whole situation. It’s been ongoing and I spoke to the press but I didn’t want to take anything away from the players spirited performance so I didn’t want to speak about my own situation because there has been enough about it.

“The main thing for me is to focus on getting us climbing up the league table.”

And while he has been appointed on an interim basis, Nugent would have no problem if the situation was to change.

“I spoke to the players on Tuesday and they know that I will be running it as I see fit now,” he added.

“I’ll be picking the side and anything to do with the football side is down to me now. There’s no excuses on who is or isn’t in charge. How long that lasts I don’t know.

“If I was to go back to number two I certainly don’t fear that situation, that’s fine.”

The club is yet to make an official statement.