New boy Cuthbert backs Orient for promotion bid (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

O's new signing talks to Guardian Sport

11:28am Thursday 9th June 2011 in Sport By Ross Davies

ORIENT’S first signing of the summer, Scott Cuthbert, believes he is joining a team on the up.

The 23-year-old defender became Russell Slade’s first acquisition last week, joining from recently-relegated Swindon Town on a two-year deal to become the first arrival after a swathe of departures.

Cuthbert is confident the team can go one better than last season and gatecrash the League One play-offs, in much the same way as he managed with the Robins two years ago.

He was part of the Swindon team that reached the League One play-off final, but a rapid fall from grace followed and the County Ground outfit dropped to the bottom rung on the Football League ladder last term.

He is keen to avoid a similar fate with Orient, who narrowly missed out on a top seven spot, and is instead eager to play his part in a successful promotion bid next season.

“I spoke to Russell Slade and I could tell how excited he was about the team and what he thinks we can achieve, so it was a big bonus for me to hear that,” he told Guardian Series Sport.

“The club is going in the right direction and it’s great to be a part of the team.

“I wanted to stay in League One. I felt like I did well with Swindon so I knew I could perform at this level.

“We’ve got a good chance to get promoted. When I heard from the gaffer I knew it was a good decision.

“It’s a massive ask for any team to get into the play-offs. The pressure should really be on teams like Sheffield United to be up there, so there won’t be so much pressure on us and hopefully we can come in under the radar. That’s what happened at Swindon and it would be great to get there again.”

Cuthbert will be vying with the likes of Ben Chorley and Terrell Forbes for a place in Slade’s starting XI as a versatile central defender.

However, he accepts that he will have his work cut out to dislodge either player, given the impressive partnership the pair built as the campaign wore on last term.

“I haven’t received any assurances from the manager. He said if I train well and play well then I’ll get a chance. It will be tough to break into the team as (Ben) Chorley and (Terrell) Forbes did very well last year,” he added.

“There are no guarantees but it will be a matter of getting fit over the summer, training well and trying to push in.”

Cuthbert was speaking from the comfort of a holiday resort in Marbella. But he insists he is desperate to set down the pina colada and get back on the pitch.

“I can’t wait to get started now. Towards the end of the season you look forward to your holidays but now I’ve signed I’m just raring to go.”

Cuthbert will have to wait until pre-season training begins on June 29 before getting stuck in and meeting his new team-mates, although there is one member of the current squad who is already a familiar face.

The former Scotland Under-21 player has already forged a strong bond with striker Alex Revell, the pair having played together when the O’s hitman enjoyed a loan spell with Swindon back in 2009.

“I know Alex Revell from his time at Swindon a couple of years ago. He’s a good friend and a great player.

“It’s nice to have a friendly face in the squad already. I’ve spoke to him a few times already since I’ve joined but I’ll see the other boys for pre-season training.”

Cuthbert is likely to be the first of several summer signings, with boss Slade having already hinted he will be looking to strengthen further before the new season gets underway.