Leyton Orient boss Russell Slade sees no reason why they cannot have a successful season despite their slow start to League One life this term.

The O’s form in the cup competitions have been great, winning at Aston Villa in the League Cup, while also defeating last season’s Johnstone’s Paint Trophy winners Peterborough United in the opening round of that competition.

But it’s in the league where he hasn’t quite clicked yet, and though they have only lost two of their opening seven League One games this term, there’s only one win as well.

There’s no doubt the heavy schedule of away fixtures may have played a part, while the arrivals of Jobi McAnuff, Darius Henderson and Jay Simpson on the eve of the season have taken time to bed in.

That maybe disappointing for Slade, but he has full confidence in the current group of players and believes they can turn it around and make their season a successful one.

“It’s been a heavy schedule having two games a week and there’s been a lot of travelling as well,” said Slade.

“But it is starting to settle down and it is important we have belief in the group.

“It is a good group of men and I am confident it will improve and ultimately it will be successful.

“The new players joined us at different times and we have had our injury problems at the start of the campaign with the likes of Kevin Lisbie already, Lloyd James has missed a few and Dean Cox has missed a couple and is just getting himself back.

“And the boys that came in late are fit but in terms of conditioning and match fitness they were a little bit behind but everyone is getting closer and closer and Jobi McAnuff is getting closer to where he needs to be. Jay Simpson has not had that much pitch time but we are pleased with the progress he’s making.”

Francesco Becchetti’s takeover of the club in July has also clearly had an impact at Brisbane Road, and Slade admits partnerships have to be worked on.

“Everybody associated with the club has raised expectations and we all want to do well,” he added.

“There has been a change of ownership at the club, and you can’t underestimate that. There has been a change of personnel and different personalities have come into the team and some of them have not played together and we are still searching for one or two partnerships.”