Former West Ham man happy with how things have gone so far for Brisbane Road outfit
Leyton Orient forward Paul McCallum has scored five times already in pre-season and believes Ian Hendon has played a big part in his form so far.
The 22-year-old moved to Brisbane Road after his contract with West Ham expired this summer.
It is a transfer that sees the youngster link up with Hendon, his old development coach at Upton Park, and so far it has proved to be a successful switch.
McCallum isn’t getting carried away yet about his form, but is happy to be playing for a manager that understands him.
He said: “The gaffer knows exactly what I’m about and what I’m going to do, he knows my weaknesses and strengths.
“He’s not going to ask me to do something I can’t do. It’s very important for a manager to know his players.”
Hendon certainly knows McCallum well and knew exactly what to expect from the 22-year-old.
When he moved to the club, his goalscoring record wasn’t too prolific.
McCallum had made a positive impression at AFC Wimbledon, Aldershot Town and Torquay United, but recent spells at Hearts and Portsmouth had proved less successful.
But Hendon’s faith in the former West Ham man has so far proved to be correct and McCallum definitely looks capable of scoring goals regularly this year.
“I’ve been out on loan a lot and got injured a few times and it’s been very frustrating,” he added.
“But ‘Hendo’ has said he wants me to play games and this pre-season, touch wood, I haven’t been injured or felt anything yet.
“I’ve got to manage myself and make sure I get as many games as I can this season.”
McCallum is keen to play as many matches as possible, but what goal tally would he like to achieve during the campaign?
“I don’t think it’s right to set targets, because then I’ll be chasing that and if I get over it I’ll be excited and if I don’t I’ll start beating myself up,” he added.
“I just want to score in every game, so I suppose that’s 46 goals!
“As long as we’re winning and the side is playing well I think the goals will come.”
If goals do come then Orient will certainly be in the mix for automatic promotion this season.
And after the four signings they made on Monday afternoon, everything points towards a positive year at Brisbane Road.
McCallum added: “We’re looking high up the table.
“I’m not going to say promotion or anything, but we’re looking high. As a group we know where we want to be and hopefully it turns out that way at the end of the season.”
It will be a long campaign, but if McCallum can keep himself fit he could be the man to fire O’s to glory.
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