LET’S MAKE THINGS HAPPEN – JACKETT
EXPERIENCED Leyton Orient boss Kenny Jackett has urged his players to ‘be brave’ to reignite their faltering promotion challenge.
The O’s were flying high in the early stages of the season and still in the play-off positions early last month. However, a winless run of four games combined with Covid call-offs saw them slump to 14th place heading into the weekend.
It means the east Londoners have ground to make up, though they do have games in hand on most of the sides above them in the table.
Heading into yesterday’s tough test at Mansfield, the O’s were still searching for their first goal of 2022, having failed to hit the net in three league and cup games.
Momentum
Former Millwall and Portsmouth boss Jackett believes his troops need to try to get on the front foot.
“The games are there, but you need to get momentum going, and we need to get momentum quick,” the 60-year-old told The FLP after Tuesday night’s late 1-0 home reverse against promotion chasing Newport.
“There’s nothing in it, we’re not being outclassed or are miles away, but we’re not necessarily taking the initiative at the moment and that’s a big thing.
“We have to take responsibility and realise we are the ones that have to make the play, be brave to go past people and get good players into one-v-one situations.”
Front two Harry Smith and Aaron Drinan are both in double figures for league goals, but were starved of chances against the Exiles.
Service
“As a forward you are relying on your service, your crosses,” said Jackett, “but they’ve got to take some responsibility to make something happen for themselves as well. It’s up to them to make something out of nothing at times and maybe go past people, get onto a knockdown.”
Jackett took positives from the displays of new boys Otis Khan, who came off the bench in the goalless draw against Port Vale last weekend, and Jordan Brown against the Exiles.
Wing-back Khan, 26, has joined from Walsall, while midfielder Brown, 20, has arrived from Derby, both on 18-month deals.
“Otis is a lively player and a good footballer as well,” added Jackett. “Jordan will be disappointed we lost, but he looked okay and should be pleased with his league debut.”