East Londoners boss reflects on Cox’s exit, the performance at Morecambe and use of 4-4-2 formation

Leyton Orient manager Andy Hessenthaler paid tribute to Dean Cox following their 2-1 success at Morecambe in League Two.

The O’s produced an excellent display and took all three points thanks to goals from Liam Kelly and Jordan Bowery.

All across the pitch the east Londoners looked a class above and it ensured they ended a dramatic week on a positive note.

Dean Cox left the club by mutual consent on Thursday evening, less than 24 hours after Sean Clohessy had departed Brisbane Road.

“As far as I’m concerned and what I was told, Dean was offered a deal at Northampton Town and he agreed that,” said Hessenthaler.

“The club agreed to give him a free transfer and let him go because at the end of the day he’s been an absolute top servant for the club.

“As far as I was concerned it was all happening and he was going to Northampton. I spoke to him on the Tuesday night and he said he was going.

“Unfortunately it didn’t materialise and he’s left the club, but I don’t think we need to talk any more about it.

“All I can say from a personal point of view is what a top lad and I can only say thank you to him for what’s he done at Leyton Orient over the years.

“I know the fans are disappointed he’s left, but it has happened and we wish him all the best, we thank him for all he’s done and he’s got a bright future.”

After being pressed to explain why Cox has left by mutual consent after his proposed move to Cobblers fell through.

Hessenthaler added: “I think we have said thanks to him, he has left, we can’t do anything about that now, good luck to him, I wish him all the best. I don’t want to talk any more about that, I want to talk about our three points today and enjoy it.”

Orient certainly enjoyed themselves at Globe Arena despite some light drizzle and a wet pitch. Robbie Weir and Liam Kelly were excellent together in the centre of the park, but everybody impressed.

Hessenthaler didn’t make one substitution against Morecambe such was the strength of the display and they looked comfortable throughout.

“I thought we were excellent, everything about us defensively and going forward was perfect,” said the ex-Gillingham manager.

“We probably should have got three or four, but the goalkeeper Barry Roche has made some good saves. Over the 90 minutes we were the better side and we got what we deserved.”

Paul McCallum partnered Bowery up front and the pair allowed Orient to keep the ball up the pitch and build attacks that way.

Both worked hard and the former Aston Villa forward deserved his slice of luck when his 55th minute strike deflected in off a Morecambe defender.

“We’ve gone with 4-4-2 and for me that’s the shape because we have got the players to do that,” said Hessenthaler.

“We’ve got wide boys with pace and energy to burn. They get balls into the box and the two up top are a handful for any team.

“Paul is getting fitter, you can see that today and he’s hungry to score goals. Jordan has got his first and I’m pleased.

“It took a deflection, but it is certainly his goal and the way we set out as a team – we stayed very compact when we lost the ball and made it very difficult for Morecambe.”