STEPHEN PURCHES is backing Orient to end Town’s away-day success – and help keep boss Geraint Williams at Brisbane Road.

Lee Clark’s side head to East London on Saturday aiming to equal the club record of five successive wins on their travels set way back in 1924-25, the middle season of the celebrated hat trick of league titles.

Hereford, Bristol Rovers, Scunthorpe and Walsall have been beaten so far by a Town side out to register a sixth win in eight games overall.

Orient have lost their last two, at home to Northampton and away to Millwall, but that hasn’t taken the shine off Williams’ feat in guiding them away from the League I drop zone.

The 47-year-old former Wales international, in charge of Colchester when Town drew 0-0 there in their first away match of this season back in August, accepted a short-term contract as Orient manager in February.

He has hoisted the club out of the dreaded bottom four on the back of nine wins under his command, and attention has shifted to his long-term future.

Skipper Purches is optimistic Williams will still be at the helm next season.

“Hopefully, things will get sorted out, and I’m sure they will,” said the former Bournemouth player.

“The gaffer has done well and has got the best out of the squad. I’m sure other clubs will be looking at what he has done and will be interested.

“It’s a decision that has nothing to do with the players. It’s out of our hands and it’s up to the manager and the club.”

While the players are keen for Williams to stay, Purches insists there has been little time for them to think about the future.

“Our whole focus has been on survival and we have had a hectic time with the games coming thick and fast,” he added.

“But all credit to the lads, as they have stood up and been counted when the pressure was on.”

While Orient want Williams to stay, Oldham have announced Joe Royle will leave at the end of the season.

The 60-year-old took temporary charge at Boundary Park in March following the departure of John Sheridan.

The former Ipswich boss explained: “I always said that I was only here until the end of the season.

“I retain a lot of affection for the club and the fans and that is why I was only too willing to help out over these past few weeks.”

Royle began his managerial career with the Latics, spending 12 years at Oldham between 1982 and 1994.

In his 608 games in charge, the man who has also managed Everton and Manchester City guided Oldham to two FA Cup semi-finals, a League Cup final and into the top flight.