Former O’s goalkeeper coach discusses the talented youngsters at Brisbane Road

Leyton Orient goalkeeper Sam Sargeant was at the England Men’s Goalkeeping camp this week and saw a familiar face at the University of Warwick.

Lee Harrison was the O’s first team goalkeeper coach until recently before his contract with the Brisbane Road club was terminated.

But he was invited by the Football Association to watch the camp this week and delighted to see his former player doing so well.

The 44-year-old spoke of his pride at seeing Sargeant initially selected and impress alongside other talented young goalkeepers.

“It was fantastic to go to the England Men’s Goalkeeping Camp, it was great that the FA invited me up to watch and observe the sessions and give them some feedback on the lads there,” said Harrison.

“Obviously it was great to see ‘Sarg,’ but I left him to get on with things because firstly he isn’t my goalkeeper anymore and secondly he needs to be left to see how he handles that type of environment - I did have a chat with him which was good.

“Charlie Grainger, ‘Sarg’ and Sam Roach have been a pleasure to work with and people that speak to me know I love to develop young goalkeepers.

“To get ‘Sarg’ in the camp and give Charlie his debut at Orient was our target at the start of the season so it was great to achieve that.”

Harrison’s departure from Brisbane Road infuriated many supporters, especially because he was clearly helping develop O’s young goalkeepers.

As mentioned, Grainger made his professional and league debut for O’s this year while Sargeant has recently been included on the bench.

The former Orient number one has been involved in helping numerous other talented young goalkeepers over the last few years.

While a coach at Wycombe Wanderers, he helped Matt Ingram progress through the youth ranks at Adams Park before he sealed a move to Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers in January.

“It is funny really because I had Matt at the same age as ‘Sarg’ is now and to have him and see him develop was where I got my blueprint from,” added Harrison.

“With Matt at Wycombe it was about getting his loan spells right and putting him into the first team at the right moment. Once he got his chance, he never looked back and went on to play over a 100 times before getting a move to QPR.

“I’m sure if they can be developed similar to Matt then ‘Sarg’ and Charlie can go on and enjoy great success in the game as well.”

Harrison wasn’t able to discuss his departure from Brisbane Road, but wished his former club all the best for the future.