Furious Orient boss threatens to wield the axe

Orient manager Russell Slade has threatened to wield the axe following last weekend’s heavy defeat at Carlisle United.

The O’s conceded three goals in the first half and ended up losing 4-1, but have an ideal opportunity to bounce back when they entertain basement-boys Chesterfield on Saturday.

But some of those in action at Brunton Park might not get the opportunity to put things right.

“I don’t know whether all of a sudden we thought we were a good side because we’d beaten two decent teams,” said Slade.

“Whether people thought that because there’s one or two injuries their place is safe.

“Let me tell you, their place isn’t safe. I won’t have that, I won’t have that first half. I will not forget that first half.”

However, Slade’s options might be limited for change as both skipper Stephen Dawson and defender Ben Chorley are definite non-starters.

Chorley misses Saturday’s match as he serves a three-game ban following his dismissal at Stevenage, which will also keep him out of the trip to Preston North End.

While Dawson could be out of action for up to six weeks after suffering damaged ankle ligaments in Saturday’s shocker.

The skipper is out of contract in the summer and currently in talks regarding a new deal, but the injury means it’s unlikely that he will move during the January transfer window if he doesn’t commit his future to the club.

The central midfielder was substituted after just 20 minutes at Brunton Park and underwent a scan on Monday to assess the full extent of the damage.

One man that could return to the squad is goalkeeper Jamie Jones, who has not played for the first team this term after undergoing surgery on his shoulder in the summer.

He returned to training recently and made his comeback on Monday as an Orient reserve team beat West Ham United’s development squad 3-0.

Jamie Cureton, who finally opened his goal account at Carlisle last weekend, was also on target against the Hammers.

He netted twice, once with a penalty, while Chorley was also on target from the spot.

Those goals may be enough to give the veteran striker the selection nod against Chesterfield at the weekend.

Orient fielded a strong side against West Ham that included Dean Cox and former Charlton defender Jon Fortune, who was released by the Addicks at the end of last season.

However, the 31-year-old Islington-born defender had continued to train at The Valley as he looks to return to full fitness following a knee injury.