Leyton Orient boss Omer Riza has maintained he will keep preparing for pre-season while he awaits the confirmation of who will own the club next season.

Orient will play in the National League for the first time in 112 years next season.

And the 37-year-old has already set up a number of pre-season friendlies ahead of the campaign.

Last week he revealed on social media players were awaiting to hold talks with the club as the likes of Liam Kelly, Jordan Bowery and Paul McCallum have all left Brisbane Road.

When speaking to the East London Guardian Series this week, the former Arsenal player said: “I have got to prepare. If I am given the call to say you will be the manager for next season I have to be ready.

“I have spoken with some of the players and I am meeting others.

“I did make them aware of the situation that I may not be here and I think they will be speaking with others if that situation does happen.”

A number of players announced they were leaving the club and one which would surprise some was Freddy Moncur.

The 20-year-old was not offered a new deal to stay at E10.

“I wanted to keep Freddy Moncur and Sam Alderson,” said Riza.

“I wanted to get the reserve team up and running. It is important for the players as well and obviously, with these players I wanted them to stay into next year.

“Decisions were made that I had no control over.

“I know Victor [Adeboyejo] has been offered a new contract, which is good because I wanted him too.

“They have done what they have needed to do. I don’t know if that has been maybe something the takeover needed.

“But I think if there is potential buyers that can only be positive.”

One good news for the O’s faithful was Michael Collins was offered a new deal which would keep him at Brisbane Road next season.

The midfielder was a solid addition to the squad in January and has what could be vital experience as the east Londoners look to bounce back into the Football League.

Riza said: “Collins has been offered the same contract he was on, I am aware of that.

“If Michael is here next year that will be great for us. I told him to go and enjoy his break for two weeks and he will make his decision by then.”

The former Aldershot player revealed it was sad to see Kelly, signed by Coventry City, and McCallum, who has joined Eastleigh, leave the club but thought the latter would do well at any level.

“Paul will do well in this league or wherever he goes as he is a great striker, “ said the O’s boss.

Fans have been quick to praise Riza over his open communication with them in the post-season, keeping them up-to-date with all the work he is doing.

Games have been organised against Dulwich Hamlet, Harlow, Reading, as well as a fixture with an Arsenal XI, likely containing the Gunners’ youth products, on August 1.

He said: “It is nice to know the fans are behind me. I have played the game a while. I set up friendlies that we will take into the league.

“We will take on sides who play on Astro pitches, as a few of the teams in the National League have that surface.

“And when we play Arsenal and Reading they will be a passing team so it will be a positive for us to deal with teams when they have the majority of the ball.

“A positive for me this season has been the fans and I have given everything to the club for the club.”