The O’s head coach praises Kent Teague and Nigel Travis and talks up Josh Koroma’s potential

Justin Edinburgh heaped praise on Leyton Orient’s board for the way they handed bids for star forward Macauley Bonne during the summer.

Earlier this month the O’s agreed a new contract with the striker, who scored 25 goals last season in all competitions.

Bonne’s now on a deal with the club until the summer of 2020 and head coach Edinburgh praised his leading marksman and owners Kent Teague and Nigel Travis for their recent signal of intent.

He said: “I can’t underestimate the offers the board of directors at Leyton Orient turned down and Macauley deserves a lot of credit too.

“Macauley’s head could easily have been turned, but he showed maturity and incredible attitude.

“And what we come to expect from him is the cool finish which he delivered from the penalty spot against Boreham Wood.”

Bonne’s spot-kick on Saturday was his third goal of the season and unsurprisingly it is the most of any Orient player this term.

Yet O’s have seen others chip in already during this campaign with Craig Clay helping force an own-goal at Salford City before James Brophy netted in the 1-1 draw with Ebbsfleet United.

Bonne’s brace secured a point at home to Barrow following a 2-2 draw before youngsters Josh Koroma and Marvin Ekpiteta got on the scoresheet at Maidstone United to help O’s triumph 2-1.

Last weekend Orient needed their main man to bag from the penalty spot to claim the win, but it does seem the east Londoners are not so reliant on him.

One of the reasons for this is perhaps the encouraging form of teenager Koroma, who has one goal and two assists to his name after five appearances.

Since Edinburgh was appointed O’s head coach on November 29, the academy graduate has come on leaps and bounds, but he must remain grounded.

The 48-year-old said: “Josh is so clever in the way he retains possession. He was always a threat on Saturday and his trickery has won us the game with the penalty.

“We have a lot of young players with talent and if looked after and cared for the right way they will all have big futures.”

Edinburgh will have more attacking options to pick from now Matt Harrold is fit again, after he played 75 minutes on Tuesday in a friendly with Southend United.

Dale Gorman completed 90 minutes while Sam Sargeant, Dan Happe, Alex Lawless and James Alabi all featured, but O’s lost 1-0.