Orient forward reveals happiness at having a place to finally call home

Paul McCallum is thrilled to link up with Ian Hendon again at Leyton Orient and work under a manager that knows his game.

The 22-year-old is one of nine new summer signings made by the Brisbane Road club and has wasted no time in showing his quality – scoring six goals throughout pre-season.

He had spent the last four years at West Ham United, but has been sent on loan six times during that period and is happy to now have a place to call home after moving to the O’s.

“At West Ham chances were limited and I got sent out on loan about six times,” said McCallum.

“I sort of knew that I was going to have to move to start my career and the opportunity at Orient came along. We have done pre-season now and I feel like this is my club, I want to work hard for this club.

“It is different to a loan because you are only there for a month or two and then you go back to your parent club, but Orient is my parent club now and I can’t wait to get started and work hard.”

The forward has demonstrated during the summer what he will bring to Brisbane Road and he believes working with Hendon again will help him.

McCallum was managed by the O’s boss when he was West Ham’s development coach and is relishing playing under someone who understands his play.

He added: “It is good to come here and play under a manager that knows my game.

“When you go on loan it is more word of mouth with some managers and they just know your name and know a bit about you. But obviously the gaffer here knows everything about me.

“He has worked with me before so I’m looking forward to linking up with him again.”

It seems likely McCallum will be first choice this season, but he believes whoever starts up front will score goals for Orient.

The former West Ham man may have to watch on from the sidelines, though, this weekend as he is struggling with an ankle knock as well as tonsillitis.

“Me and Ollie Palmer are two big target men and then you have Jay Simpson who can play off us,” added McCallum.

“I think whoever plays together, it is going to be good.”