Liam Mandeville – doncasterfreepress.co.uk
As soon as Alberto Cavasin walked through the doors at Brisbane Road, it looked unlikely that his spell in charge of Leyton Orient would be long-lasting.
His possession-based tactics did not work effectively due to the lack of movement in forward areas. While the players should not be absolved from blame, there was a sense that they did not understand their instructions, thus the O’s had an imbalanced look.
Born and raised in Treviso, Cavasin had never worked outside Italy since his professional playing career began in 1973. There is little evidence to suggest he knew much of the English language, let alone English lower league football.
By contrast, Andy Edwards and Danny Webb, who take charge until the end of the season, have spent a combined 12 years at the club in various capacities, often coaching the younger players. They already have an affinity with the fans and are best placed to provide a semblance of stability, after nine different managers in two years under Francesco Becchetti’s flawed regime.
Questions have been asked of Doncaster Rovers’ owners, given the decline that followed John Ryan’s exit in 2013. However, in fairness to David Blunt among others on the board, the club has got its transfer business right this summer with prompt activity after relegation.
Early Wolves arrival Tommy Rowe has been one of the most creative players this term. In a more circumspect midfield role, Chelsea loanee Jordan Houghton rarely misplaces a pass. He has good defensive and leadership qualities for the age of 21, making him a player Darren Ferguson will hope to keep beyond the expiry of his current loan deal in January.
Losing goalscorer Andy Williams to injury in October was a blow, but one that has been softened by the emergence of Liam Mandeville. The teenage forward made a huge difference at Exeter when he came on to orchestrate three goals in 21 minutes, before scoring a stoppage time winner against Hartlepool last week. He has a lot of energy and unlike a lot of young players, he is strong technically and knows when to release the ball. Mandeville also provides a goal threat, netting five this term despite being used largely as a substitute.
One of Orient’s more impressive players has been Ollie Palmer, one of the few rays of light in a bleak campaign thus far. As well as scoring four goals in 14 league appearances, six as a substitute, he stretches defences and works hard for the team, even if his technique is not as advanced as that of Mandeville.
This blog foresees an improvement from Orient under Edwards and Webb’s stewardship. In the last six weeks however, Doncaster have acquired a capacity to win tough, even games late on and we may see a repeat of that on Saturday.
The Football Lab’s Verdict: 2-1
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