‘Drained’ O’s earn Slade salute

TEN days ago Athletic’s last-day game at Leyton Orient looked like one for the faint-hearted to avoid.

From Athletic’s perspective, the Brisbane Road test promised to be a nerve-shredder.

Athletic had yet to face Yeovil and it seemed possible a win at Orient would be needed to avoid relegation.

As for Orient, Russell Slade’s side were then still in with a chance of fighting their way to the top six. Orient made it eight wins on the road at Coventry - but Swindon’s 3-0 win at home to Stevenage closed the door on the top six, leaving the Os frustrated.

“The players are drained and obviously a little bit disappointed because I think they felt they couldn’t give much more, which they couldn’t, to be fair,” said Slade, now in his third full season in charge.

Ironically, what has ultimately cost Orient a shot at promotion glory is their two losses recently at Scunthorpe and Colchester — the only clubs left fighting a relegation scrap on the last day of the campaign.