New man in the Brisbane Road hot seat discusses need to arrange friendly fixtures, Kevin Nugent and his assistant manager

Ian Hendon admits the first thing he needs to do as Leyton Orient head coach is arrange pre-season friendlies after confirmation of his appointment occurred last week.

The former West Ham United first team coach addressed the media on Friday during a press conference at Brisbane Road and discussed how important the summer will be.

He revealed he watched a couple of O’s matches last season and discussed his experience of League Two.

“There is a lot to be organised like pre-season and that is priority now to get that sorted,” said Hendon.

“It is going to be the base of going on in the season so that is the first thing we need to get sorted first and foremost.

“I have watched a lot of games, I watched Orient quite a few times last year in League One and I have a lot of experience of League Two, in the past.

“I did get out to a few games in League Two last year but obviously I was working at West Ham, but my staff will have very good knowledge of this division when they come in and when they are appointed.”

Hendon’s assistant manager has yet to be confirmed but he revealed last week that he would like current coach Kevin Nugent to remain at the club.

Former Orient legend Matt Lockwood was muted to the 43-year-old as a possible candidate to come in and be his number two at the club.

However Hendon was coy about the link admitted a decision over his assistant hasn’t been made yet.

He added: “Kevin is here already and I would like him to be part of what is going to happen.

“I have someone in mind who I would like to bring in as my assistant, but I can’t name him obviously but that will be done for the start of pre-season.

“I know Matt Lockwood well I signed him as a player actually. I know him well but I have my ideas on who I would like to bring in.

“Matt has been coaching up in Scotland, I am aware of that but a decision has not been made yet and it will be in due course.”