Lee hails Orient new boy Gorman as ‘major signing’
Dale Gorman lines up a shot from long range. Picture: Danny Loo - Credit: Archant
The 31-year-old played with Dale Gorman at Stevenage and believes O’s have signed a great young talent
Charlie Lee in action for Leyton Orient at Gateshead on the last day of the National League season (pic: Simon O'Connor). - Credit: Archant
Charlie Lee believes Leyton Orient midfielder Dale Gorman will prove to be a major signing for the National League club.
The 22-year-old moved to Brisbane Road earlier this month from Stevenage and put pen to paper on a two-year deal.
Gorman joined the O’s having played with Lee at Broadhall Way and he received high praise from his old team-mate.
“Dale is a top player and not very often do you see teams in the National League sign a young talent who has played week in, week out for a Football League club,” said Lee.
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“I think it is a major signing for the future of Leyton Orient, but he will play a lot of games this season and he will have no problems at this level. He is a great young talent and his arrival just makes our squad stronger.”
After spending two seasons together at Stevenage, Lee gave an insight into the type of player the O’s have signed.
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He joked Gorman is more accustomed to a yellow card than himself, adding: “I quite like midfielders who put in a tackle.
“I have always done that myself, and I am a big fan of Dale. We have played in the middle before and he has normally got booked more than me, so that’s some effort.”
Although Lee is delighted to see Gorman sign up for the new campaign, it adds to the competition in the centre of midfield.
The ex-Gillingham ace missed most of the past season following anterior cruciate ligament damage in August, but is back fit now and raring to go ahead of the new term.
Lee, who featured in the final three games of the 2017/18 campaign, discussed why he is happy Gorman has joined him, Craig Clay and Alex Lawless in the battle for a starting spot in the middle of the pitch.
Justin Edinburgh will have a tough decision to make regarding which two miss out, but that is a positive problem for Orient’s head coach.
“I’m looking forward to the battle and I’ve said for years you are never successful unless you have competition for your place because it becomes too easy,” said the 31-year-old.
“At spells last season I think it come to a stage where we knew what team would be put out on a Saturday whether the manager wanted to change it or not because injuries prevented him from doing so and the squad wasn’t as strong as it is now.
“To expect 11 players to play 50 games is just not doable with the way the game is and the distances players cover now, so you need a squad.
“I think it is important to have a good squad, so the more signings the merrier in my eyes.”