Leyton Orient chiefs must avoid January transfer mistakes this summer: View | OneFootball

Leyton Orient made mistakes in the January transfer window that have arguably cost them a League One play-off place.

Orient were more concerned about the relegation zone at Christmas but a remarkable run of form after the turn of the year had their fans dreaming of a top six finish.

The O’s beat Cambridge United, Portsmouth, Bolton Wanderers, Carlisle United, and Port Vale in a matter of weeks as they climbed as high as eighth in the table.

However, a recent run of poor form has seen Richie Wellen’s side drop out of play-off contention and the five remaining games are now almost insignificant.

The first of Orient’s mistakes came in the centre-back department, which had been an area of strength in the first half of the season.

The O’s went into the January window with Dan Happe, Omar Beckles, Brandon Cooper, Ed Turns, and Adam Thompson on the books.

However, inexplicably, both Turns (returned to parent club Brighton before joining Crewe Alexandra) and Thompson (loaned out to Barnet) were waved goodbye, leaving Wellens with just three central defenders to choose from entering the all-important latter stages of the season.

This almost immediately proved to be a mistake by the club’s hierarchy as Happe suffered an injury, leaving Wellens with no choice but to start Beckles and Cooper.

The pair have since conceded three goals to Northampton Town, two to Burton Albion, and two to Peterborough United, yet they have not come close to being dropped.

It should be noted that former Bournemouth and Rangers defender Jack Simpson was brought in on a free transfer in February, though he has been ruled out through suspension for all six of the games since he joined.

Leyton Orient’s second transfer mistake

Despite issues with the backline, Orient’s biggest problem has been their lack of cutting-edge in the final third.

The board are not entirely to blame for this, in fairness, as Wellens’ side has dealt with a number of injuries this season.

Former Birmingham City winger Jordan Graham suffered a patella tendon injury in October, which ruled him out for the rest of the campaign.

Dan Agyei, who was signed to replace Paul Smyth, has only featured in 12 league games - seven of them as a substitute.

And, weeks after the January transfer window shut, Theo Archibald underwent surgery to repair his Anterior Cruciate Ligament.

Although, had the O’s made the right additions over the winter, these injuries would not have been felt so hard.

​​​​Ollie O’Neill joined from Premier League club Fulham, and that appears to be an excellent piece of business.

However, the additions of youngsters Daniel Adu-Adjei and Khayon Edwards, on loan from Bournemouth and Arsenal, respectively, have not panned out.

Given that summer signing Joe Piggott had offered little to nothing, and with Agyei struggling for fitness, the O’s needed to add a proven goalscorer to the group.

Instead, they took a punt on two youngsters, who had not yet played at senior level, and neither have managed to score for the club.

In fact, the team have netted just three times in their last seven appearances, which has ultimately cost them a chance of promotion.

The Orient faithful will be hoping that their transfer department have learned from their mistakes (leaving the squad short of depth and experience), as they must avoid repeating them this summer if they are to finish further up the table next season.

After an impressive first term back in League One, there is plenty of positivity looking ahead to 2024/25 but it will take a club-wide effort to continue their progression.