Hendon reveals plans to offer contract to trialist and confirms they can extend Jean-Yves M’voto’s deal

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient defender Jean-Yves M'voto wins a header against his Scunthorpe United opponent (pic: Simon O'Connor).Leyton Orient defender Jean-Yves M'voto wins a header against his Scunthorpe United opponent (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: Archant)

Leyton Orient head coach Ian Hendon has revealed he is hoping to sign one player before Saturday’s League Two clash at Stevenage.

The O’s were defeated 2-1 yesterday (Monday) by Bristol Rovers following a brace by Rory Gaffney.

Jay Simpson struck again for the east Londoners, but they couldn’t build on their Boxing Day success over Portsmouth.

Hendon confirmed afterwards that one of the trialists that featured in the friendly with Bishop’s Stortford on December 22 is set to be offered a deal.

Five players on trial featured in the match, one believed to be Kieffer Moore, but the Orient boss revealed the one he hopes to sign hasn’t been named yet.

“Yes some of the trialists did impress and one in particular,” said Hendon.

“Nobody has found out his name yet so we will keep it like that in case someone else tries to nip in.

“I need to speak to the owner this week, but ideally we would like to do something before Stevenage on Saturday.”

The O’s boss also explained the situation regarding defender Jean-Yves M’voto after the match at the Memorial Stadium.

M’voto signed a two-month contract with the Brisbane Road outfit on November 22 and has largely impressed since joining the club.

If Orient want to extend that deal when it finishes on January 22, they can do so.

Hendon added: “We have got the option to extend Jean’s deal if we want to. That is until the end of the season, we have the option.”

French defender M’voto came off at half time against Rovers after going down midway through the first half with an ankle injury.

9,836 fans were watching the O’s at the Memorial Stadium – the large attendance they have played in front of this season.

Just under 500 made the trip from east London and Hendon praised them plus the Gas fans for the intense atmosphere they created.

He added: “I do think Bristol Rovers will be up there at the end of the season. The support they had was fantastic.

“They kept on right until the end. I thought they were superb the way they got behind their team.

“Don’t get me wrong, our away supporters were good as well. They kept going and were there at the end and applauded us off, but it is a tough place to come when they have got a crowd like that.”