Irish striker discusses squad at Brisbane Road and how the club just need quality over quantity now
Leyton Orient forward David Mooney believes it is important there is competition for places at Brisbane Road this season.
With the National League campaign set to start in just over two weeks time, O’s currently have a first-team squad of 19 players.
Steve Davis has spoken about his desire to bring more players to the club and Mooney thinks Orient need a couple more.
“You need competition for places. There is no point only having 11 players who are going to play,” said the experienced Orient forward.
“If you don’t have competition then you can take the easy route and you need to be working hard in training to hold onto your shirt.
“The year we got into the play-off final (2013/14) we had a lot of players in different positions who were competing, so from that point of view it is important we have 20 players who can come in and play and not just 20 players there for the sake of it.
“I think that is what we are striving for and hopefully there are two or three more players coming in before the start of the season, but if we don’t get anymore, then we have enough.
“It is quality now over quantity, so if we can add a sprinkle of gold dust it would be nice, so watch this space.”
Mooney’s competition up front will come in the form of Macauley Bonne, Tristan Abrahams and Sam Dalby, although it does depend on what formation Davis is likely to play.
The ex-Southend United forward has already been impressed with O’s new recruit from old foes Colchester United.
Bonne netted twice at Harlow Town on Saturday and got more minutes in the 10-0 win over Burnham Ramblers last night.
And Ahead of the weekend clash at Greenwich Borough, Mooney is looking forward to playing more with the recent addition.
He added: “Macauley has come in and looked really good and we have big George Elokobi as well, so the squad is starting to fill.
“Fingers crossed we can get one or two more through the door and it sounds like we are hopeful of doing that, so then we can build on it and get the team nailed down over the next two weeks.
“We need to start getting some partnerships going as well, so I think you will see the moulding of a team over the next few weeks.”
Although Mooney’s main aim at Orient will be to score goals and perform well, he is excited about his role with the youngsters at the club.
With Abrahams and Dalby both still teens and vastly inexperienced, the Irish striker will be expected to nurture their talent.
“I have really enjoyed being in and it has been a great two weeks. I have loved every minute of it,” said Mooney.
“Sometimes with young lads if you say something to them you are not sure how they are going to react, but these lads have been brilliant.
“Everything we have said they have taken on board and you have seen at Harlow that Steven (Alzate), Josh (Koroma) and Tristan are going to have great careers. Hopefully we can keep hold of them for as long as possible.”
Two people Orient won’t be signing are trialists Josh Taylor and Michael Gash after they left the club this week.
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