Former Colchester United centre back excited to help develop O’s academy graduates

George Elokobi will make sure Leyton Orient’s young players are looked after on and off the pitch this season.

The experienced defender has made two appearances for O’s since joining on a free transfer from Colchester United.

Elokobi is excited about the upcoming National League campaign and looking forward to helping Orient’s academy graduates develop.

He said: “My job as a footballer and as an experienced one is to try and pass on the knowledge I have to the youngsters coming through at the club.

“I need to make sure when they do make a mistake, they learn from it and it is not about killing them or crucifying them.

“They have to make a mistake to learn, so I will make sure they are well looked after and that is one of my jobs.”

Elokobi has been impressed with Orient’s young players in training and knows they will play their part this season.

Steve Davis will hand opportunities to Myles Judd, Aron Pollock, Michael Clark, Dan Happe and Rian McLean when the time is right.

And Elokobi expects them to be ready, he said: “We have some very good young players and I have watched some in training.

“We are going to need them as well as the experienced ones we have got, so it is a great place for the youngsters to be because they are going to play and show the Leyton Orient fans what they can do.

“It is our job as a senior player to guide them through and not only in training, but in the games.”

Clark has partnered Elokobi for a small amount of time in the friendlies with Greenwich Borough and Hornchurch.

Although the former youth-team captain has a lot to learn, his new team-mate is on hand to help.

Elokobi added: “Michael is a talented player and you need to give players time to grow into their role.

“He is going to learn a lot from us senior professionals and hopefully he is going to show what a talent he is.”

Orient’s new centre back Elokobi will hope to get more pre-season minutes on Saturday away to Billericay Town.