Orient boss insists League Two’s top goalscorer isn’t going anywhere and thanks O’s fans for their support

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient player-manager Kevin Nolan shows his delight after their win against Newport County (pic: Simon O'Connor).Leyton Orient player-manager Kevin Nolan shows his delight after their win against Newport County (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: 07958 573219 simon.oconnor@virgin.net)

Leyton Orient player-manager Kevin Nolan admits if the club want to achieve their aims then Jay Simpson can’t be allowed to leave.

The top goalscorer in League Two took his tally to 22 for the campaign last night (Tuesday) when he netted from the spot against Newport County.

His stunning form for the east Londoners has resulted in plenty of talk he may move away from Brisbane Road in the January transfer window.

But the new O’s boss insists Simpson is happy at the club and will not be departing any time soon.

“It is majorly important we keep hold of Jay, but the one thing we have with him is that he loves playing here, he enjoys it and lives local,” said Nolan.

“If it needs to be discussed between me and the president, and if we do need to sit down with Jay - I don’t think it will be a very long conversation unless it is a dramatic deal or something which is too good to turn down.

“Hopefully that is not going to come and if we have ambitions and aspirations of getting out of this league, then he is a major part of trying to do that.

“The president and his support staff know that and we certainly do. It is about managing Jay to ensure we keep him fit between now and the end of the season because if we do he will score us goals.”

Nolan made his O’s debut last night in the 1-0 success against the Exiles and played a part in winning the penalty.

A trademark late run in the box resulted in the former West Ham captain crossing in for team mate Jobi McAnuff.

Deane Smalley was adjudged to have pushed the Jamaican international to the ground and Simpson did the honours from the spot.

Orient’s new boss was thrilled with the support he got from the 4,055 home fans inside Brisbane Road.

He added: “I was delighted with the reception I got from the home fans and I can’t thank them enough because since I have taken over they have been brilliant.

“I am not on social media, but my brother and a few friends are, and when I did take the job it was a real good feeling about it and I am delighted.

“If I am honest I didn’t expect it to be as good as it was, but I had a lot of friends at the ground and all my family so it was a scouse invasion which was nice.

“It is good to get a win at home, but we have set the standard now and we need to keep it up.”

Nolan revealed it was assistant manager Andy Hessenthaler and goalkeeper coach Lee Harrison who said he should introduce himself last night.

The O’s player-manager came on in the 80th minute to huge applause and showed a few glimpses of his class against Newport.

But the former Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers skipper accepts he will need to bring another coach in after Saturday’s match with Cambridge United.

“I trust these two lads I have sitting next to me, we discuss and they were the ones that said I think you need to get yourself on there and I took their advice,” said Nolan.

“It is about me trusting them and I am hoping to bring someone in so it takes a little bit of pressure off them and me so they can take the training.

“I can plan it and they do it all. At the moment it is working fantastically well. I trust them to make the subs as and when they are needed.

“I think it is working really well, but is something we need to look at to try and help us when it comes to fact that I am training the majority of time with the lads.”