How the play-off finalists are shaping up for next season
LAST SEASON
After exceeding expectations the O's just missed out on promotion after a play-off final defeat to Rotherham United on penalties.
There was a remarkable start for Russell Slade's side, who went an unbelievable 15 games unbeaten in all competitions, winning 12 of them, before suffering defeat to Coventry City on October 22.
They then suffered a dip in form at the beginning of February – with Slade's men losing consecutive games against Rotherham, Peterborough and Bristol City. The club slipped into the play-offs during the final three months of the season and were paired against Peterborough in the play-off semi-final.
A 1-1 draw at London Road was followed by a 2-1 victory at home which earned them a trip to Wembley Stadium. Despite going 2-0 up in the first half, the O’s lost 4-3 in the penalty shoot-out.
THE MANAGER - RUSSELL SLADE
Having never playing professional football, Russell moved into management in 1994 at Notts County on a caretaker basis. He was previously a schoolteacher before moving to the Magpies.
He took on full time managerial positions in non-league with Armitage and Leicester United before joining the coaching staff at Sheffield United.
He had two spells as a caretaker at Bramall Lane before being appointed manager at Scarborough. He would spent three years with the Seadogs, which included a great FA Cup run that ended in a narrow defeat to Chelsea, before he moved on to Grimsby Town.
He guided the Mariners to mid-table following their relegation to League Two the previous season. In his second campaign the Lincolnshire side reached the play-off final before losing to Cheltenham Town. Slade left the club shortly afterwards.
He moved on to Yeovil Town and would spent three years in Somerset and picked up the Manager of the Year honour in League One when he guided the Glovers to the play-off final. He left Yeovil and went on to briefly manage Brighton before moving to Leyton Orient where he has been since 2010
VISITING THE GROUND?
Brisbane Road, or the Matchroom Stadium as it is known, has been the O's home since 1937 and holds just under 10,000 spectators. Reds fans will be accommodated in a part of the East Stand, which is currently being refurbished, next season.
SUMMER BUSINESS SO FAR
After their play-off heartache, Slade has moved swiftly in making the changes that he hopes can see Orient go one step further in 2014-15. Robbie Simpson (Cambridge United), Jake Larkins and Yohann Lasimant have left whilst regular goalkeeper Jamie Jones – who spent six years with the O's – has turned down the offer of a new deal to sign for Preston North End. Gary Sawyer has agreed a new contract, as has Lloyd James.
THEY PLAYED FOR BOTH
Both Lloyd James and Shaun Batt enjoyed short loan stints at Crawley - from Colchester and Millwall respectively – during the 2011-12 League Two promotion season.
Others to have represented both the O's and Crawley include two of last season's squad, Gary Alexander and Nicky Adams. Shaun Cooper, who was with us during 2012-13, has also played for both sides.
PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Crawley have won all four previous meetings. The first of them saw Nicky Ajose's goal prove the difference at the start of the 2012-13 season before Billy Clarke's wonder strike sealed the three points at Brisbane Road in February 2013.
This season saw an entertaining game in London finish 3-2 to the visitors thanks to goals from Gary Alexander, Andy Drury and a sumptuous lob from Nicky Adams. The return at the Checkatrade.com Stadium on Good Friday was another entertaining tussle and Crawley earned a 2-1 win after a neat Gwion Edwards finish and a great Andy Drury header cancelled out Chris Dagnall's equaliser.
WHAT THE BOOKIES THINK
Leyton Orient are 9/2 with Sky Bet to win promotion from League One in 2014-15.
