French midfielder confident of survival

Leyton Orient captain Romain Vincelot believes the team’s new-found positivity will help them avoid the drop to League Two this season.

A 3-1 midweek defeat against leaders Bristol City kept O’s in the relegation zone, but the French midfielder feels their improving performances are giving reason to be confident of survival.

Vincelot said: “We are a bit disappointed, but we’re not down because the performance pleased us.

“We had more chances than them, but the disappointment is about the result, not the performance. The last five games we are very good, so we are in a very positive mood.”

Recent wins against Chesterfield, Oldham and Walsall have led to renewed hope in Fabio Liverani’s squad and Vincelot was adamant of them having turned a corner after a difficult campaign.

He added: “Unfortunately we’ve had a lot of injuries this year, people playing well then getting injured. This happens in football, but this year we’ve had a lot of unlucky things.

“At some point you just have to get on with it. Before there was too much complaining, ‘everything is against us’, but now for a few weeks we said we can’t change what happened so stop complaining. We’re not getting anywhere like that.

“We changed the spirit completely and that’s why I’m very confident. The last five games we’ve been consistent in terms of performance, positive spirit, this is what matters. If we keep that, this will make us safe. I’ve got absolutely no doubt about the fact we’re going to stay up.

“The performances just show that we are strong, we can beat anyone away or at home, so I’m very confident and just can’t wait for the next game.”

Vincelot proved his usual workmanlike self in the centre of midfield against Bristol City, but does not feel having the captaincy has changed his own game.

And he paid tribute to boss Liverani for showing his belief in the squad.

He added: “When he arrived he said he didn’t want any other players because he knew the squad was strong enough and now we’re getting good performances.

“I just do as I was doing before. If he gave me the armband it was because he was thinking I could do it because of the way I was before.

“I just have to carry on as I was. It doesn’t change anything, someone has to wear it. It doesn’t change to have something on the arm to be more responsible.”

What has changed, though, is the mood at O’s and Vincelot is delighted. He added: “There is a togetherness with the manager and the fans. I think everybody understands now we have to stick together. Fans, players, staff, everyone in the club. You can see that on the pitch now.”