Alex boss surprised that Leyton Orient have been down there for much of the season

Steve Davis has admitted that he is surprised to see last season’s play-off finalists Leyton Orient battling against relegation this time around. Leyton Orient suffered the heartbreak of play-off defeat in a penalty shoot-out after leading 2-0 in the game at Wembley against Steve Evans’ Rotherham United side.

Orient have been battling against relegation for much of the season but according to Davis still have one of the strongest squads in the division.

Ahead of this weekend’s home game against the O’s, the Crewe Alexandra boss told the club’s official web-site: “I have been really surprised with how Leyton Orient’s season has gone because a lot of people were expecting them to be challenging for the top six again with the players they have and the budget they have worked with.

“It is a surprise to see them where they are but it shows how tough this league is and that having a healthy budget doesn’t necessary guarantee success.

“They have a mixed season and I am not sure what has happened behind the scenes, but there has been a chance of ownership and a few change of managers.

“They still have a strong squad and some top players. They were able to make five changes in their last game and not meant teams outside the top four or five can do that. It shows they have strength in depth and it will be another tough game.

“They have a lot of experience in there as well and they are fighting for their lives as well to stay in the division.

The boss added: “What we need to do is focus on ourselves and make sure we are right and be better than them on the day to win the game. “