Leyton Orient v York City: Boyle starts as Minstermen strive to stop the rot
But that is what Leyton Orient owner Francesco Beccheti has forced his club’s players and staff to do ahead of today’s clash with York City as penance for a wretched run of form.
The London club, among the early pace-setters in League Two, have won just two of their last dozen games and are desperate to improve that run against the Minstermen.
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Hide AdFor Jackie McNamara, the City chief, his only concern is stopping a damaging run of four league defeats in five games for the Yorkshire club.
To do so, the Scot wants to bring more energy and balance to his side. William Boyle, 20-year-old Huddersfield Town defender, has been brought in on loan and is expected to partner George Swan in a new-look defensive pairing.
Boyle is unlikely to be the only new face before next week’s deadline for loan deals, even though York are likely to feature the maximum five temporary signings in today’s match-day squad of 18.
A left-back is seen as priority by McNamara, who added: “Someone might come in, maybe in time for Tuesday because anyone I do bring in, I like to meet them one-to-one and make decisions on their hunger, leadership qualities and character.”
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Hide AdEven allowing for Orient’s form and the bizarre preparation for players of having to spend the full week away from home at the Waltham Abbey Marriott Hotel, McNamara’s task in turning round City’s season does not get any easier.
Orient, despite the slump, are in the play-off places, while Tuesday’s opponents Portsmouth are also going for promotion. Last week, McNamara’s first league game ended in defeat to leaders Plymouth Argyle.