Talented youngster reflects on winning the LFE Apprentice of the Year award for League Two, Steven Alzate’s move to Brighton and more

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient's Myles Judd with his LFE Apprentice of the Year award for League Two (pic: PA Images).Leyton Orient's Myles Judd with his LFE Apprentice of the Year award for League Two (pic: PA Images). (Image: Archant)

For an 18-year-old, Myles Judd has already achieved a fair amount at Leyton Orient, but he is motivated to kick on and do plenty more in E10.

The full-back made his first appearance for O’s as a 16-year-old at Luton Town on September 1, 2015 and in the process became the club’s fifth youngest debutant.

Judd had to wait 13 more months before he turned out for the first team again, but took his chance and went on to play on 21 occasions for Orient last season.

It was a baptism of fire the academy graduate handled brilliantly and the end result for the teen was to pick up the League Football Education (LFE) Apprentice of the Year award for League Two.

“I was really happy to win it and to be among so many good players who have also won that award,” said Judd.

And the right-back is not wrong – the likes of Nick Powell, Conor Chaplin and Ben Godfrey, now of Norwich City, have also claimed the award in recent seasons.

Even though Judd is now plying his trade outside of the Football League, the talented defender is happy with life at Brisbane Road, especially now the future of the club is settled under the new owners.

He added: “I definitely think Orient is the best place for me at the moment and the gaffer (Steve Davis) has already said we will all get chances.

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient manager Steve Davis issues instructions during their friendly with Hornchurch (pic: Gavin Ellis/TGS Photo).Leyton Orient manager Steve Davis issues instructions during their friendly with Hornchurch (pic: Gavin Ellis/TGS Photo). (Image: ©TGS Photo tgsphoto.co.uk +44 1376 553468)

“If I am getting more men’s football then I will be learning and hopefully I’ll become a better player.”

Orient’s new head coach has a great reputation of developing youngsters having done so at Crewe Alexandra during his five-year spell at Gresty Road.

And with several talented teens at O’s, the new boss at Brisbane Road appears to be perfect for the job.

“I’ve heard he is really good at developing young players and that he knows when to put them in the team and take them out,” said Judd.

“That way we get used to it and are not just thrown into the deep end, so I am really pleased to be working with him at Orient.”

Judd will be vying with Jake Caprice for the right-back spot in Davis’ starting XI this season.

And although the former Woking man has more experienced than O’s talented teen, he is up for the challenge.

“There are probably two players in every position, so I wouldn’t expect to play as many games as I did last year,” said Judd.

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient youngsters Aron Pollock, Myles Judd and Josh Koroma get put through their paces during pre-season training (pic: Simon O'Connor).Leyton Orient youngsters Aron Pollock, Myles Judd and Josh Koroma get put through their paces during pre-season training (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: Simon O'Connor Photography)

“But there is really healthy competition for everyone and we are all fighting to get in the team, so that’s good.

“Hopefully Jake and I can improve each other and keep each other on our toes and push us to be better full-backs.”

Somebody Judd won’t class as a team-mate anymore is fellow O’s academy graduate Steven Alzate.

The duo both signed professional contracts in 2016, but Alzate recently sealed a move to Brighton & Hove Albion where he will be part of their under-23s squad.

It was a proud moment for all of the staff at O’s and especially for Judd, although definitely not a surprise transfer in the eyes of the right-back.

He added: “I am really proud and happy for Steven. I have been playing with him since we were in the under-13s.

“To be honest he has always had it and we always knew he would go on to be a top player, so it wasn’t a big shock to me, but I wish him all the best for the future now.”

Alzate may have moved on, but Judd certainly feels Brisbane Road is the best place for his development.

Last season was extremely difficult for everyone, but the performances of Orient’s teens’ during some dark times offered fans a rare glimmer of hope.

The O’s are in much better hands now and the players, staff and supporters of the east London club can look forward to an exciting new era.

Judd can too and he will get plenty of minutes this season and be managed well by Davis, which will only benefit a youngster who appears set for a bright future.