Orient head coach provides update on their pursuit of Jack Payne, Shane Lowry’s situation and Jobi McAnuff’s future
Leyton Orient head coach Ian Hendon has admitted negotiations with Peterborough are still ongoing about bringing Jack Payne to the club on a permanent basis, but did open the door for Shane Lowry to potentially return should his trial with Birmingham City prove unsuccessful.
The defender’s agent informed the Brisbane Road boss that his client would be leaving the club this summer, despite signing a two-year contract last year.
He has been on trial with Championship side Birmingham and played for them last weekend against Kidderminster Harries.
But Hendon has revealed Lowry would be open to a return should a deal with the Blues not come off.
Orient’s head coach also confirmed that a deal with Posh to bring Payne to E10 is yet to be concluded.
Hendon said: “I have spoken with Barry Fry, who does the wheeling and dealings of Peterborough, and we are a little way off at the moment.
“It is a move we would like to do, but it needs to be a happy medium for both parties. We are hoping to do something so we will see what happens.
“We have been away and we only got back into training on Wednesday so we are worrying about ourselves at the minute, concentrating on Saturday to get our boys right for Colchester United, but as far as I am concerned Shane is going.
“His agent has told me 100 per cent he is not going to be here at the start of the season so that is how I am taking it. Shane is up at Birmingham at the moment and there are a few issues because the boy needs to be insured.
“But his agent is saying one thing and Shane is saying if it doesn’t get fixed up he would like to come back so we will see what happens about that.”
Lowry isn’t expected to be with the O’s tomorrow (Saturday) at the Weston Homes Community Stadium for when they face Colchester.
The two teams were League One rivals last season and although the U’s might be favourites, Hendon is eager for his keen to impress.
He added: “It will be interesting to see where we are compared to Colchester. I know they had a good result in the week against West Ham, although not sure what side they put out.
“They will be keen to perform at home and I am sure our lads will be keen to perform and show our supporters that we have had a good week away and we can put a show on.”
Jobi McAnuff will be unavailable for Orient because he will be preparing to represent Jamaica in the Gold Cup final on Sunday against Mexico.
Hendon praised the achievements of the 33-year-old and revealed the O’s midfielder is a big part of his plans for the upcoming season.
“Jamaica have done fantastic haven’t they! I am pleased for Jobi to be playing for his country and winning games,” Hendon added.
“It would be nice if they could go all the way now and win it. He has obviously missed a big chunk of pre-season.
“On the other hand he has played a lot of football and played near enough every minute of the tournament so fitness wise he will come back in good shape.
“I spoke to him prior to going away with Jamaica and he has kept in touch, dropped the odd phone call in when he can.
“From what he has said to me, he is ready when he comes back to crack on and do well for Orient so if I get a player coming back telling me all the right things I am happy with that.”
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