Leyton Orient boss Justin Edinburgh expects more youngster to leave on loan to continue their development
Leyton Orient defender Michael Clark in action last season at Crewe Alexandra (pic: Simon O'Connor). - Credit: Archant
Michael Clark joined National League South side East Thurrock United on loan last week and more O’s academy graduates may leave on loan next month
Justin Edinburgh has revealed more of Leyton Orient’s younger players could follow in Michael Clark’s footsteps and leave on loan, but only if the club is right.
The O’s centre back signed a one-month loan with National League South side East Thurrock United last week and started their stunning 4-0 win over Aldershot Town in the FA Trophy on Saturday.
Clark enjoyed success with the Rocks during the 2016/17 campaign and Edinburgh has confirmed Orient will do a lot more transfer business once the January window opens.
He said: “Since I’ve been appointed we’ve been trying to make acquisition and strengthen the squad, but they’ve got to be better than what we’ve got.
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“What we’ve found is although our window is open, no one else’s is and because of that people are reluctant to let players out of their squad until they can replace them, so it probably won’t be until January that we see people come into the club.
“Going out, when it is right and the right club comes along then we’ll see people go out on loan and continue their development.”
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Edinburgh went on to explain his long-term ambition when it comes to Orient’s crop of young players.
Plenty have seen first-team football this season while the likes of Aron Pollock and Freddy Moncur showed their potential during the difficult 2016/17 campaign.
All in all, Orient have a lot of academy graduates who appear to have the talent to make it, but need some guidance and Edinburgh is keen to nurture their ability wisely.
He added: “There are a lot of young players here with potential in front of them, but there has to be the right environment for them.
“Coming in now when the club has been on a poor run would have been difficult, so we’ve got to get the environment right, so we can bring these young players back in.
“Also, on the other side of it we have to make sure they continue their development and East Thurrock is a fantastic fit for Michael. He will go and get games and will get back up to speed.”
