O’s boosted with a win against Wolves

Orient manager Russell Slade took his entire squad to Leicestershire on Monday for a four-day training camp and admitted there is unlikely to be any more new arrivals.

None of the triallists Slade has used in the two pre-season friendlies headed north with the squad and Slade said: “That’s probably about it now. “With the wage capping system we can only bring a player in now if someone leaves.”

After making four signings last week, the Orient squad of 20 looks a lot healthier than it did.

The O’s chief has reshaped his team in the summer with a total of eight new faces and he is delighted to have been able to take them away on a team-bonding exercise.

“We are about half-way through the pre-season programme and this trip is really good for us,” said Slade.

“It gives everyone a chance to mix and there is the opportunity to generate camaraderie and spirit and that is so important.

“I don’t think some coaches realise just how important it is. Forty percent of our squad is different to last season and you can’t just throw the new faces in. You need the squad to gel and four days away together is perfect.

“We are working all day and into the evening. On Monday everyone went to a Zumba class.

“It’s good to get players out of their comfort zone and getting to know each other and the facilities here are great for doing that.”

The O’s are using the same Champneys Springs facilities as employed by the Team GB football squad before their pre-Olympics training camp in Spain.

“The facilities are great here,” said Slade who saw his side beat a youthful Wolves XI 2-0 in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Wednesday afternoon with a goal in each half from Kevin Lisbie and Ryan Brunt.