Gaffer surprised by O's demise ahead of Tuesday night clash at Brisbane Road.
Paul Dickov underlined his surprise that tomorrow night’s opponents Leyton Orient are battling to keep themselves in the division, a year on from play-off final defeat to Rotherham.The O’s are out of the drop zone on goal difference only, but defeated Rovers 2-0 in September at Keepmoat Stadium.
“I am surprised that they’re down there because they’ve got a good squad and perhaps they’ve chopped and changed their manager a bit too much for everyone’s liking but we’ve got to be aware of the threat that they pose,” Dickov said of the East London club.
“One thing we can’t do is just think that the season is over. Regardless of where we are in the league, it’s not and we’ll have a right battle on our hands with Leyton Orient who are scrapping for their lives and then one against Fleetwood on Saturday as they’re pushing for the play-offs.
“Orient are on a good run of form and have won and drawn 2 of their last few games and they’re down there fighting for their lives.
“Their home form recently has been decent. They’ve got some good players – Cox, Mooney, Dagnall, Henderson – that’s a handful at any level.”
Dickov saw his side draw against play-off chasing Rochdale on Saturday and gave credit to Keith Hill’s men who fought back from a goal down to nick a 1-1 draw.
“Result-wise it’s not a bad point, I suppose. We wanted to win the game though when we were a goal up. They had players that can hurt you and we were disappointed with the nature of the goal we conceded and we’ve conceded too many like that,” he said.
“First half, I thought we were the better team and created the better chances but second half I thought Rochdale were the better side so you’ve got to give them credit for that.
“Ultimately we’ve got players who are playing for their futures and their contracts – whether that’s here or elsewhere. With five games left, I’ve got to make sure that we go in with the mentality that we get as many points as possible and finish as high as they can.”