Ex-Scunthorpe United captain backs Brisbane Road outfit to improve results quickly and knows they have lots of quality in squad

Michael Collins understands why the Leyton Orient fans are disappointed, but is determined to help turn around the east Londoners’ terrible season.

The 30-year-old signed a short team deal with O’s on Friday and made his debut during the 2-0 defeat to Crewe Alexandra in League Two on Saturday.

Alberto Cavasin’s team dropped into the bottom two after the loss and the home supporters voiced their concerns towards the end of the match and at full time.

“The fans pay good money and when they come here they want to get entertained and see good results and especially for a club like this,” said Collins.

“In my opinion it is one of the strongest clubs in the division and obviously there is going to be disappointment around and from the terraces – it is understandable.

“As players you just have to accept that, obviously I’ve just got in the building this week, but the players have been really positive.

“I certainly don’t sense anybody worrying or a lack of confidence, which you do find in some dressing rooms.”

The former Huddersfield Town and Scunthorpe United midfielder feels there is enough strong characters at Orient to help them move away from the threat of falling out of the Football League.

After Saturday’s result, the O’s are 23rd with only 15 points from the same number of fixtures in the division this season.

Collins added: “I’ve been in dressing rooms before that have struggled and you can sense it. You look around and you know something is not right.

“I don’t sense that here and I’m not just saying that because I’ve arrived and I’m trying to be positive, I’m being genuine.

“There are enough characters that have been around the game long enough to put it right and I’m sure we’ll look to do that and do it quick.”

On paper the Orient squad has enough quality to be competing for promotion, but they haven’t shown it so far.

Collins, who spent a month on loan at York City last season, has watched some League Two games this campaign and feels O’s are in a false position.

“We’ll turn this around. It is not ideal at the moment, but I see the quality in the squad and given time this club will climb the division,” insisted the Orient number seven.

“While I’ve been out injured I have watched other games in League Two and seen other sides. This club should be at the top end of the table so everybody is aware of that.

“It was a disappointing result on Saturday, we move on to Sheffield United now against a team that is doing really well, but we have nothing to lose.”