The O’s head coach discusses the future of Macauley Bonne and Ebou Adams and hails the support of the Orient fans
Justin Edinburgh has revealed Leyton Orient are looking to extend Macauley Bonne’s contract after a stunning first season at Brisbane Road.
The forward joined the O’s last July from Colchester United for an undisclosed fee and has proven to be an astute piece of business.
Bonne netted his 25th goal of the campaign in all competitions during the 3-1 win at Gateshead on Saturday and Orient are looking to offer him a new deal with his current contract expiring at the end of the 2018/19 term.
“Extending his contract is something we are looking at, I think he has earned the right to have a new contract, so that’s something we’d like to do,” Edinburgh told BBC London.
“There is always going to be speculation with someone who has had a season like Macauley has, but he is fully aware it is only one season.
“There is a lot more for him to do and he will be back here next season and ready to go for us again.”
Another person Orient would like to return to E10 for pre-season is Norwich City under-23 loanee Ebou Adams.
The all-action midfielder has left a lasting impression on the fans and the club with a string of robust performances in the middle of the park.
Edinburgh has made clear his desire to keep the former Dartford youngster and O’s do appear to be in the driving seat to sign him permanently with Adams set to depart Norwich this summer when his deal expires on June 30.
“He has been a real breath of fresh air and really good for us,” said Orient’s head coach. “He has improved all the time and he knows our stance, so let’s see if we can progress things and see if he can stay.”
On the victory at Gateshead, Edinburgh revealed his delight at finishing the season on a high.
Bonne opened the scoring in the first half when he flicked home Jobi McAnuff’s cross from a corner kick.
It was 2-0 early in the second period when McAnuff let fly from range and found the net before teenager Josh Koroma joined the party and extended Orient’s lead.
Gateshead pulled one back from the penalty spot through Danny Johnson, but it didn’t matter come full time.
Edinburgh added: “I thought we were very good and worthy of the victory. We scored some really good goals.
“We all come up on Friday as a group and with our fans here as well, it was a really good end to the season.”
Orient had 424 supporters make the long trip up to Gateshead for a 12.30pm kick-off on the last day of the National League season.
The O’s head coach sung their praises and revealed his desire to make the next campaign one to remember.
“From when I came in (November 29) to where we are now it is a remarkable turnaround,” said Edinburgh.
“We had long periods without winning football matches and it is not easy to turn it around in a short space of time, but I’d like to thank the players for all their efforts.
“I think they have been spot-on since I’ve been here and yes we’d like to be much improved on 13th place for next season and I want to finish by thanking the fans again.
“To have over 400 supporters’ coming up for a 12.30pm is quite remarkable. They surprise me time and time again and got behind the boys and we’ve put on a show, so it was a really good end to the season.”
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