The latest on future of on-loan Millwall forward John Marquis and the O’s hopes for second half of the season

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient forward John Marquis looks to fire towards the Bristol Rovers goal (pic: Simon O'Connor).Leyton Orient forward John Marquis looks to fire towards the Bristol Rovers goal (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: Simon O'Connor Photography)

Leyton Orient head coach Ian Hendon knows he had made mistakes during his time at the club, but still believes they can get back into the play-off places.

The O’s are currently eighth in the League Two table after their 2-2 draw with Stevenage last weekend.

Tomorrow (Saturday) they are without a fixture and are preparing to welcome Exeter City to Brisbane Road next on January 16.

Pressure has mounted on the Orient boss in recent weeks and he knows they need to start winning more games to achieve their goals.

Hendon said: “I have made mistakes, I won’t say I haven’t made mistakes, but as I said before there has been a massive turnaround.

“I just want the fans to stick with us because we have a good group of lads in the changing room and if we can get one or two additions to strengthen then one or two can get a rest.

“We are only halfway through the season, we are two points off the play-offs so there is a lot to play for.

“Generally coming away from home and getting a point away is a good point, but we need to turn our draws at home into wins, that’s for sure.”

Before the O’s next match a decision needs to be made on the future of Millwall forward John Marquis.

He has been on loan at Brisbane Road since October, but his deal with Orient expires this weekend.

Lions boss Neil Harris revealed that Hendon has been pleased with the 23-year-old, despite him scoring just once since joining the club.

“John loves playing regularly and vying for a place at Millwall is not ideal for him at his age – he wants to play week in, week out,” Harris told South London Press.

“We will see if he wants to come back and try to force his way into the team or continue playing as much as possible.

“I have spoke to the Orient manager, who was really pleased with his contribution. He has not had the reward he deserves in terms of goals. John has done really well performance wise.”

Despite that, the future of Marquis is yet to be confirmed by either club, but he could be set for a return to Millwall.

Orient goalkeeper Gary Woods seems likely to remain away from Brisbane Road with his loan at Ross County due to be extended.

The 25-year-old, former Manchester United youngster, moved to the Scottish side towards the end of the summer transfer window and has played nine times.

“Gary will stay on loan here, we’re just waiting on the paperwork to be completed,” County manager Jim McIntyre told the Press and Journal.