JASON DEMETRIOU blasted back at the bookmakers after Orient were installed as one of the favourites for the drop, writes TREVOR DAVIES. Geraint Williams side have been listed as 50-1 outsiders for the title by some of the bookies - but Demetriou said:

JASON DEMETRIOU blasted back at the bookmakers after Orient were installed as one of the favourites for the drop, writes TREVOR DAVIES.

Geraint Williams' side have been listed as 50-1 outsiders for the title by some of the bookies - but Demetriou said: "It's not a shock, but we will prove them wrong. Watch this space!"

Demetriou insists that the O's can make a mark at the top end of the table next season, rather than struggling at the bottom.

"Every year it's the same. The odds come out and the bookies have little old Leyton Orient to struggle," Demetriou told the Recorder.

"They keep writing us off each season, yet this will be the fourth year in League One for us, and I think we're going to do well.

"Believe me, the boys are raring to go and although there have not been too many new faces come in yet, there will be some new arrivals and we will look to continue where we left off last season.

"We had a great run towards the end and climbed away from danger and we had a great start to the season under Martin Ling two years ago.

"If we can put them together, then there is no reason why we can't do well.

"The training was excellent last season and I know everyone is looking forward to getting started again."

After spending two weeks away on international duty, Demetriou is looking forward to a holiday, but admits that football is never far from his thoughts.

"It's been a busy summer for me, but I do tend to get bored if I'm without football for too long," smiled the Newham-born 21-year-old.

"The fixtures come out next week and when that happens you know it won't be too long before you will be back in pre-season training.

"I really can't wait to see the list, there are some massive games in our division this coming season and it really is the league to be in."

Demetriou is not sure how his extra-long season will have affected him when pre-season training starts.

"Don't worry, I will be reporting back on the first day, that's for sure," he said.

"There will be no extra time off and I might even be ahead of the other lads, as I've not really stopped training yet. But the manager will see how I feel when I report back and I might have some extra rest.

"But, being away on international duty with Cyprus has really whetted my appetite for the new season. I've had a taste and I can't wait to get back.