Player-manager full of praise following late victory as Declan McCarthy reports.
Leyton Orient player-manager Kevin Nolan was delighted with how his players pulled through following the victory against fellow League Two side Newport County.
A penalty from Jay Simpson saw Leyton Orient pick up their second consecutive victory under Nolan – who also made his first appearance for the club as a second half substitute – and register back-to-back wins for the first time since August.
Speaking after the game, Nolan called for his players to keep up the positive attitude and mentality.
“I’ve told the lads, that’s what happens when you dig deep. It was a tough game out there – but bit by bit I’ll be implementing a way of play,” said the 33-year-old when speaking to Rising East.
“What they’ve took in over the last five days from me is absolutely fantastic, so the pleasing aspect for me is I know that they can do it.
“I’ve told them, I don’t want to be looking around or below us but above us, and I want to keep this positive attitude and mentality going forward”
‘Different environment’
With the score goalless fans saw Nolan come on as a 78th minute substitute, and although the midfielder’s cross led to the awarding of the deciding penalty he jokingly reflected on his own performance by saying, “I done well for the opposition!”
The former West Ham captain then went on to discuss the challenges of playing and training now that he’s taken his first steps into management.
“It is a totally different environment. There are certain things I need to touch up on, I’ve got two great guys in Harry (Lee Harrison) and Andy Hessenthaler, who have been fantastic for me.”
As well as praising his backroom staff, Nolan ended by explaining he was never tempted to take the penalty on his home debut and that top scorer Simpson will continue to do so.
“As soon as I came here I told Jay I wanted him to be my penalty taker and he was fine with that.”
Leyton Orient host Cambridge United this weekend as they look to try and make it three wins on the bounce under Nolan.