We were poor all season says sad O’s captain Clarke
O's captain Nathan Clarke (pic: Simon O'Connor) - Credit: Archant
Skipper of relegated E10 team admits players need to look at themselves afteer chaotic campaign
O's captain Nathan Clarke at the end of the Sheffield United match (pic: Simon O'Connor) - Credit: Gavin Ellis/TGSPHOTO
Leyton Orient captain Nathan Clarke believes no single person can take the blame for the club suffering relegation to League Two, it has been the team not performing well enough throughout the season.
The Brisbane Road club had their fate sealed on Sunday when they let a two-goal lead slip at Swindon Town to draw 2-2 at the County Ground.
Colchester’s victory against Preston ensured they would have been relegated anyway, and the O’s captain believes everyone has to take the blame.
“I don’t know who is most responsible, I think to start pointing fingers at certain people at this stage is a little bit embarrassing,” said Clarke.
Orient captain Nathan Clarke congratulates Dean Cox after scoring at Swindon (pic: Simon O'Connor) - Credit: Gavin Ellis/TGSPHOTO
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“Ultimately it has been a team thing and the team has not performed unfortunately.
“The season has not been brilliant and whichever team you are at the manager always seems to be up getting shot at.
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“We need to be big enough as players to have a good look at ourselves and see where we have made mistakes because it always seems to be the manager that gets it in the neck.”
The players weren’t good enough to beat a second-string Swindon team at the weekend and finished 23rd in the table.
Leyton Orient celebrate Chris Dagnall's goal at Swindon on the final day of the season (pic: Scott Heavey/EMPICS). - Credit: EMPICS Sport
But come the final whistle, the 1,131 O’s supporters in the ground clapped the players and Clarke is eager to give them good times again next season after a chaotic campaign.
“We are all disappointed, but you have got to look forward to a new season,” he added.
“You saw how many fans were at Swindon and clapping us right at the end. They deserve a good go next year and we have to give it our all.
“We are thankful for their support through the season, it has been fantastic. They have stuck with us through what has been a shocking season and we can only thank them.
Orient players dispute the penalty decision against Luke O'Neill (right) at Swindon (pic; Simon O'Connor) - Credit: Gavin Ellis/TGSPHOTO
“I have got another year left on my contract and I am captain of the club so of course I want to stay. I want to stay here as long as I can and lead the team for as many games as I can next year.”
Clarke revealed the players spoke after full time at the County Ground and all accepted they haven’t been relegated because of what happened at Swindon – where they let a two-goal lead slip.
He acknowledged Orient’s performances just haven’t been good enough, but refuted claims other teams have wanted it more than the E10 outfit.
“I don’t think we have been outworked. I think we have been outplayed at times and individually not been at it I guess,” added Clarke.
“We spoke after the match and people have had their say and put it down to one or two things, but it wasn’t just Sunday’s game that defined our season. Throughout we have had some poor performances and it has ultimately led to the situation we are in now.”
