Leyton Orient manager Richie Wellens says he is unsure what to expect from tomorrow’s trip to fellow play-off chasers Bolton Wanderers.
The O’s have been one of the standout teams in League One over the past couple of months. They have lost just one of their previous 15 league games, winning 12. This has seen them move from the relegation places to the play-off spots and there is even talk that they can gatecrash the automatic promotion party following an excellent 2-1 win over Wrexham on Tuesday night.
The travel to Bolton tomorrow afternoon in search of a fourth successive win. However, the Trotters are currently in the midst of a rebuild having made the decision to part company with long-term manager Ian Evatt last month.
Steven Schumacher eventually arrived at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, tasked with the challenge of salvaging what has largely been an inconsistent campaign. A 3-2 win over Shrewsbury Town on Tuesday followed an entertaining 4-3 victory over Crawley Town at the weekend, leaving them just three points behind Orient in sixth.
Wellens Unsure On Bolton Threat
With Schumacher still finding his feet in Greater Manchester, Wellens has admitted it has been tough to prepare for the promotion clash. Speaking to official club media, he said:
“Maybe a slight change in system, probably different tactically and a bit more aggressive. They have not had too many games.
“The games they have had, they score goals but they concede so I don’t think we have seen the influence yet.
“I watched the game at Huddersfield and thought they were different to what they have been in the last few years. It was dogged, determined, very good out of possession.
“Ian Evatt was there a long time and had a distinctive style, which was successful. He won more games than he lost.
“I don’t think Schuey has had enough time yet to really stamp his authority, especially with the schedule.
“It is bad for everybody, it is difficult to get on the training ground. One thing they have got is good players, a good squad and lots of options.”
Writer’s View
Despite Wellens’ cagey comments, his team are sure to head to the North West tomorrow full of confidence. This is a Bolton team still finding their feet, albeit they seem to have found a way to grind out results. Had this clash happened a month ago, nobody would have betted against Orient, but Schumacher has instilled a little bit of grit to his squad that was perhaps lacking under Ian Evatt. If the Trotters’ last two results are anything to go by, this will be a thoroughly entertaining encounter at the Toughsheet Community Stadium.
