OMER RIZA says he still doesn’t know if he will be in charge of struggling Leyton Orient next season as the club’s future remains up in the air.
Former Arsenal player and Cheshunt boss Riza became Orient’s fifth manager of the season when he took charge at the end of March.
The O’s have had 11 managers since owner Francesco Becchetti bought the East London club in July 2014 and the cash-strapped outfit have slipped into Non-League after a terrible League Two campaign.
Orient are due back in court on June 12 regarding the winding-up petition first brought in March and they’ve also received a compulsory strike-off notice from Companies House due to late account filings so on field matters have been swept under the carpet.
Rather than being able to build a squad capable of mounting a promotion charge next season in the National League, Riza says despite his hard work he still doesn’t even know his budget.
The 37-year-old, who has plenty of playing experience in Non-League with the likes of Histon, Boreham Wood and Chelmsford City, has got friendlies lined up but is unsure whether he’ll be the man taking charge of them.
Talking to the Non-League Football Show, Riza said: “All I’ve tried to do is prepare the club the best I can. I’ve not been given any guarantees – I don’t know the budget and I don’t know if I’m going to be here next week, let alone next season.
“Pre-season and friendlies are set, players are ready to talk. Whether I am here or not, I had to get things sorted because that’s the professional thing to do.
“I’ve not spoken to anybody about anything at this time. There may be ongoing negotiations between interested parties and the chairman but whether he will sell the club remains to be seen.
“I’ve been working tirelessly to make sure that I’ve spoken with players and I’m just waiting now.
“If I’m still here, and have been given the go ahead to carry on, I’ve got ten or 11 players that are ready to come in and talk – then I can really get on with it and start preparing for the Conference.
“Those senior players that would be coming in are characters that have played League One, League Two and Conference football because it’s important that we get the mix and have experienced players that have played in Non-League.”
