Leyton Orient: Kevin Nugent offered contract to be head coach

Nugent has lost both of his League One games since taking caretaker charge of the O's last month

Leyton Orient caretaker manager Kevin Nugent has been given a contract offer to become their next permanent boss.

The 45-year-old has been in charge of the League One side since Russell Slade resigned on 24 September.

Nugent said on Saturday that he had been offered the job, but club officials dismissed it as "a rumour".

"A lot of stuff must have been slightly lost in translation. I think there were a few misunderstandings. Now there is an official offer there," Nugent said.

Talking to BBC London 94.9, he added: "I came in on Wednesday and there was an offer. I need to have a proper look over it."

Following Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to Swindon there was confusion over whether Nugent had received an offer to become Orient's new head coach, with sporting director Mauro Milanese insisting the club were in no rush to make an appointment.

Nugent has lost both of his league games in charge of the east London club but, after victory over Dagenham in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in midweek, is now looking to climb the League One table.

Orient, beaten in the play-off final last season, are currently one point above the relegation zone in 20th place.

"I know football is a results-based business and that's what we need to start doing, regardless of what is going on off the pitch or who is in charge," Nugent said.

"The performances have been reasonably good but we have lost games because of lapses in concentration. We need to get it going now.

"There have been a few bridges burnt all around the place and we need to rebuild them again; with supporters and owners and whatever it is.

Jay Simpson scored twice as Leyton Orient beat Dagenham on Tuesday, handing Kevin Nugent his first victory since taking caretaker charge of the club last month

"Hopefully we can start that by getting points on the board and everything gels together after that."

Meanwhile Nugent hopes to implement some of his own ideas, having been assistant manager at the Matchroom Stadium since 2009.

"I haven't done too much because I don't think it needed too much," he said.

"When there was no real certainty in my own position, it was not always easy.

"Now we have a bit more clarity, I can start doing what I think will improve things and be better for the football club.

"Every manager has a different way. There is no prototype to doing it - there is just doing it your own way.

"There is an added hint of pressure but I think I will enjoy that."