Lawless not fussed if Salford are favourites, O’s will still be aiming to win opener

Alex Lawless in action for Leyton Orient (pic: Gavin Ellis/TGS Photo). ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468

The former Luton Town midfielder, who won this division in 2014, insists Orient are focused ahead of Saturday’s game

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Alex Lawless says Leyton Orient will be looking to win Saturday’s National League opener away to division new boys Salford City.

The O’s make the long trip up to Moor Lane to take on the bookies’ favourites for the title despite the Ammies preparing for their first ever campaign at this level.

Salford are owned by Peter Lim plus former Manchester United stars Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes and have made a number of big signings this summer.

Despite all this, Orient will be focusing on themselves and are just enthusiastic about the league opener which is live on BT Sport and a 12.30pm kick-off as a result.

“In some ways it is a surprise the pressure will be on them more than us I would say, from what you hear is going on over there,” said O’s midfielder Lawless.

“The first game is one everyone looks forward to and whether they are favourites or not, it is a game we will approach looking to win, so that’s what we will try to do.”

While it has been a relatively settled and quiet summer for O’s, it has been the complete opposite for Salford.

The 2017/18 National League North champions parted company with joint-managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley by mutual consent on May 8.

Former Scunthorpe United manager Graham Alexander was officially unveiled as Salford’s new boss less than a week later and he has made a number of signings.

Danny Whitehead has arrived from Macclesfield Town, Scott Wiseman from Chesterfield plus Chris Neal and Nathan Pond from Fleetwood Town.

Adam Rooney has also moved to Moor Lane, but Orient midfielder Lawless is more than happy with the squad O’s have.

“It will be interesting to see what Salford have got, but it is about us and our fitness levels and togetherness in the squad is tip-top,” added the 33-year-old, who won this division with Luton Town in 2014.

“Our togetherness is getting better and better so hopefully we can hit the ground running at Salford and get the perfect start.”

Lawless continued: “We spoke about wanting to finish strongly last season so it would help coming into this year.

“It doesn’t guarantee anything, but it will definitely help and there is an air of confidence about the team because of that which is something every team needs so it should put us in good stead.”