Ex-O’s captain discusses Dean Cox’s injury and what needs to happen next for Brisbane Road club

John Mackie admits his Greenwich Borough team were hoping to play a Leyton Orient XI in pre-season, but doubts whether it will happen now.

The 39-year-old is currently number two at the Dartford club with former O’s forward Gary Alexander manager of the now Ryman South outfit.

Both are fondly remembered at Brisbane Road for helping the east Londoners earn promotion from League Two during the 2005/06 campaign.

And Orient supporters could have got the opportunity to see two old favourites manage against their club this summer.

“When Lee Harrison was there I did speak to him and although nothing had been confirmed, he said about sending an under-21 side with a few first teamers to us,” said Mackie.

“That was all we wanted really, we didn’t expect to get the proper Orient team and it would have been lovely to have them down.

“For the fans they could have seen me and Gaz on the side and it would have been good for our club obviously. Once Lee left it was all a bit up in the air and I don’t really know anybody else properly at the club.

“I know Ada Martin the kitman and Andy Edwards a bit, but we aren’t sure who the right person to speak to now is.

“We at Greenwich Borough have five or six friendlies arranged now so it is one of those where we will just have to wait and see what happens.”

Orient supporters would almost certainly have been looking forward to that pre-season clash if it could have been arranged.

While it may not happen now, something the Brisbane Road faithful can get excited about is Dean Cox being back to full fitness next year.

Mackie admits his cruciate ligament injury was a huge blow to the O’s, but is pleased his recovery is going to plan.

The former captain did admit other decisions need to be made regarding what happens next season, adding: “Dean’s injury was a massive negative, but it seems like things are going to plan in terms of his rehab.

“He will need a decent amount of games in pre-season to get match fit, but hopefully then he’ll stay and that will give everyone a big buzz, but first of all they need to look at adding other players and what people out of contract are staying.

“There is a lot to do at the club and the big question is who is going to come in? That needs to be answered quickly. The decision was made to make Kevin Nolan step down and Andy Hessenthaler is in charge, but is he going to get it?

“Orient have no pre-season at the moment and whoever is going to come in will need to arrange all that because you need games.”