Dean Cox admits he does not want to miss a day’s training and insists the togetherness at Orient reminds him of Russell Slade’s squad two years ago.

The O’s came so close to winning promotion to the Championship under Slade when they were beaten in the League One play-off final in May 2014. Their small squad was built on unity and team spirit and the signs are already there that Ian Hendon is establishing something similar this season.

Cox said: “I think the year we did well with Russell in League One we had a tight knit group. Looking at it, I don’t want to get too excited because we’re only three games in, it looks the same.

“We’re looking good and keeping the back door closed. With the players we’ve got going forward we’re always going to create chances and score goals.”

Orient’s latest victory over Stevenage last night maintained their 100 per cent record and took them to the summit of League Two.

Such is the mood in the camp, Cox is relishing every minute working with the players and management and itching to get back on the training ground.

The midfielder said: “I can’t wait to go back to training. I think we’re off tomorrow [Wednesday] and I don’t really want to be off.

“I want to go in but I’ll have to take the missus out I suppose, take the dog for a walk and come back in Thursday.”

It is no secret the club was an unhappy place last season with former boss Fabio Liverani unable to get his message across, due to his lack of English, as the club suffered relegation.

Since Hendon has come in this summer, the players have all responded positively and Cox admits the team are left in no doubt about their responsibilities on the pitch.

The 28-year-old said: “He’s got us well drilled. He speaks English and that helps! But listen he’s come in and done very, very well. The lads get on with him and it’s all black and white. We know what we’re doing and our jobs and as players we’ve got to do what we’ve been doing every week. That will be the challenge now.”

The O’s fans’ favourite has been given more freedom at the head of an attacking diamond formation this season and Cox believes the role has given him a new lease of life.

He said: “I think it gives me a license to run round like a madman if anything. I feel a bit more involved. Sometimes on the wing you can feel a bit isolated if the ball’s not coming out to you but in the middle of the field you’re able to get into different positions and I’m enjoying it.

“It’s a new lease of life and a little less defending if I’m honest so I can’t complain about that.”