Experienced midfielder thanks supporters for ‘brilliant reaction’ to his injury and praises support of club staff

Leyton Orient will be without first-team captain Charlie Lee for the foreseeable future, but the experienced midfielder is eager to play his part behind the scenes.

The 30-year-old suffered suspected anterior cruciate ligament damage last month and is set to have surgery on September 11.

Lee is gutted to miss virtually the rest of the 2017/18 campaign, yet will still look to fulfil his role as a leader around the club.

Speaking to the official club programme E10 on Saturday, the skipper said: “There will be some tough periods throughout my recovery, but it is about being there for everyone else and in particular the younger players at the club if they have any questions or concerns.

“I want to be around the place as much as possible to hopefully have some sort of positive impact.

“The owners, Martin (Ling) and the gaffer (Steve Davis) have shown great faith in me and were looking for me to play a big part in the team, so although I know the injury wasn’t my fault, I did feel as though I had let everyone down.

“I wasn’t quite sure what to expect following the injury, but the reaction I have received both in person and on social media has been brilliant, so I can only thank you all for that.

“I am under no illusions that it will be difficult along the way, but I already cannot wait to pull on an O’s shirt once again.”

Lee may not have played for Orient since the 2-0 win at Woking on August 19, but has helped them in recent matches.

Craig Clay praised his fellow midfielder after the 1-1 draw with Eastleigh and said he helped gee him up before the contest.

Meanwhile Steve Davis hailed Lee’s influence after Saturday’s win over Guiseley and said his skipper was advising young Henry Ochieng during the half time break.

Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game and will prevent O’s from having their captain for much of the season.

But Lee has already showed how big an impact he can have off the field and that will continue throughout the campaign.

He added: “Despite being injured I want to be with the team and would still like to travel to the away games.

“This club has a great community feel and my family have brought into it as much as I have.

“One of my boys is getting (David) Mooney on the back of his shirt and the other is getting (Charlie) Grainger.

“Although we are all gutted that I am not going to be a part of it, they are still looking forward to the season.”