Ex-Colchester United man happy to have joined a club with big ambitions and looking forward to meeting the squad this weemkk

Gavin Massey says Leyton Orient boss Andy Hessenthaler is determined to get the club promoted and is keen to play a key part in trying to achieve that at Brisbane Road.

After agreeing a three-year deal with the club earlier this month, the former Colchester United winger has been relaxing and is now preparing himself for the start of pre-season on Friday.

Massey is looking forward to linking up with his new teammates and flying out to Roccaporena in Umbria, Italy on Sunday for a week-long training camp.

Like last season, the aim for the east Londoners is to get promotion back to League One and one of their latest new signings feels he can help them achieve that goal.

“They fell short last year, but when I spoke to the manager he wants to make up for that,” said Massey. “He wants to get promoted to League One and then go from there, which matches the ambition I have.

“I want to be involved with a team that wants to win and hopefully I can be a part of a promotion-winning squad here.”

Some of Orient’s transfers this summer have been impressive, with Massey among them having shone for Colchester in recent years.

Robbie Weir, Tom Parkes and Callum Kennedy have just achieved promotions with Burton Albion, Bristol Rovers and AFC Wimbledon respectively, while Josh Doherty has signed from Watford.

On paper it all seems good business by O’s boss Hessenthaler and Massey is excited to be part of a squad with big aspirations.

He added: “The short conversation I had with the manager was good, but I’m looking forward to seeing him again on Friday. It sounds like he is determined to put things right after last season and that matches my ambition.

“I want to be at a team going for promotion and it is refreshing for me to be involved with a club like that and one that wants to win things.”

After spending the last four years at Colchester, this pre-season will be very different for Massey as he gets accustomed to new teammates.

The 23-year-old is looking forward to the trip to Italy and a chance to get to know the Orient squad better.

Hessenthaler will put his players through a number of training sessions in Roccaporena where a number of Serie A clubs and Premier League teams have stayed in the past for pre-season camps.

“We’re going to Italy on Sunday and that’s really good because you get to spend every day with each other,” said Massey.

“It’s good for team bonding and building partnerships and especially for me being new. I’m really looking forward to it – it should be good.

“Obviously it will be hard work, but it will be great to meet everyone and get to know people.”

The Orient supporters will be keen to see Massey in action this summer and when the League Two season gets underway on August 6. He could have fans on his feet plenty of times at Brisbane Road this year.