'Flattered' Leyton Orient manager Russell Slade dismisses West Brom link

Slade has led the Os to the League One play-off final at Wembley

Russell Slade has taken Leyton Orient to the League One play-off final (Getty Images)

Leyton Orient manager Russell Slade admits he is flattered to be linked with the vacant West Bromwich Albion job but insists at the moment he only has eyes for the Os.

Slade's achievements this season, in guiding unfancied Orient to third in League One and into the play-off final on Sunday, have not gone unnoticed, with reports claiming he is on Albion's shortlist to replace Pepe Mel.

But the 53-year-old insists he is focused on the trip to Wembley to face Rotherham United and getting Orient promoted. "I think it means that, other than my chairman banging on about how good I am, it's appreciated in other quarters the kind of job we have done here," he said. "It's nice to be recognised for what we have done, with no money, and had a relatively successful season.

"It's nice to be linked to a Premier League club when you are a League One manager. But the total focus is my football club. It's speculation and I just want to get us into the Championship."

Slade is the fourth longest-serving manager in the Football League, having taken over at Orient in 2010. He puts his longevity down to being able to run the club how he wants, with little interference from the chairman, Barry Hearn.

"I have a two-year deal here and the great thing about this club is, and it's not all about pounds and pence, but it's that I'm able to manage this football club, to put my stamp on it."

PA