Harrold: O's full of confidence for FA Cup tie at Crewe

The League Two leaders travel to Gresty Road with a three-point cushion over Stevenage, with a game in hand, following last weekend's 1-0 home win over Salford City.

And head coach Richie Wellens is expected to make changes, with promotion his priority for the campaign, which Harrold says will open doors for other players.

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"There's probably going to be a few changes," Harrold told the club website.

"You've got to be careful making wholesale changes, so they don't lose too much rhythm or continuity.

"There will be opportunities because we've got a pretty fully fit squad and everyone trains so well and a lot of players deserve some game time.

"We know it's going to be a tough game, the FA Cup can create some mad moments.

"We'll go there fully prepared, we'll know what they do and will have a game plan. We'll go there full of confidence, looking forward to it.

"Crewe historically have always enjoyed having the football and passing the ball a lot.

"We've weighed up what they've been doing, we've got a game plan for what we think they will play like and what they do and we will be fully prepared for it."

O's have lost just once in 16 league outings so far this season, at home to Newport County at the start of October, and Harrold - who had a brief spell in charge as interim manager after the departure of kenny Jackett last season - paid tribute to the club as a whole.

"It's been an incredible start, credit to everyone at the club," added the 38-year-old.

"It's a really united place at the moment, from top to bottom, from the boardroom down to the fans and everyone inbetween. Everyone is pulling in the same direction.

"You look at the table and it's quite a proud feeling to see where we are at as a club.

"The big thing is, we're all motivated to keep it going. The hunger and desire to improve, listen and look at what we can do better is really unbelievable."

Former striker Harrold helped O's gain promotion back to the Football League under the late Justin Edinburgh in 2019 and netted a total of 14 goals in 92 appearances for the club, in a career that saw him amass over 550 games overall.

And he admits he sees similarities between that group and the current squad, adding:

"The spirit is the one thing you could relate to that team and that squad, that feel-good factor.

"Playing in that team then, it was an enjoyable place to come every day and work and try and improve and I think we've definitely got that similarity now.

"You come in the building and it feels good. Winning does that. It's a group of players that get along well but also push each other hard."

However, having so much success does cause some headaches, particularly when it comes to selection meetings each week.

And Harrold says the attitude of all players has to be right.

"We have to pick the team and then you have to pick the bench," said Harrold.

"That sometimes can be the hardest moment of the week because you're leaving out lads who are training really well.

"It's really painful for the gaffer but it is the job, he knows that. We weigh up all the scenarios and situations and we make the decision that is ultimately best for the team and club but it's really not easy.

"The boys who are not playing are so important to the group. That was one thing, back when we did get promoted from the National League, I remember Justin used to talk about a lot. 

"It's the boys who aren't playing, usually me, are just as important. And it's so true because they push the players who are playing, and they know as soon as they drop off someone is ready to come in."

On the flip side of that, the team enjoying a good run of form translates to an increase in attendance, with O's playing to bigger Brisbane Road crowds.

And the club have provided free coach travel for those heading to the FA Cup match this weekend.

"You sit in the dugout and look over and the East Stand was full, the home end," said Leyton-born Harrold of the game against Salford.

"It makes such a massive difference. People have come in and enjoying watching us play, seeing the work ethic and some really exciting football and players who can create massive moments.

"It's massive for us. It's a really good gesture [free coach travel] and the more the better enjoy these times. It will be great to have them there singing and shouting for us."