Orient midfielder Jack Payne and head coach Ian Hendon full of praise for Kevin Nolan as midfielder continues to train with League Two club

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient midfielder Jack Payne made his debut for the club against Cambridge United (pic: Simon O'Connor).Leyton Orient midfielder Jack Payne made his debut for the club against Cambridge United (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: Simon O'Connor Photography)

Former West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan has continued training with Leyton Orient this week despite speculation over his future bubbling and head coach Ian Hendon has admitted having the 33-year-old at their Chigwell base has been a big positive.

It was revealed last week that the former Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle United favourite was mixing in with the O’s at their training ground.

News over the weekend suggested Nolan could be set for a move back to the Macron Stadium, but he continues to train with the Brisbane Road outfit.

Hendon admits having the former Hammers ace around his young players has been a big plus and lifted spirits in the camp.

Nolan arrived after Orient had suffered their first League Two defeat of the season at Exeter City on September 5 and he has had a good impact on the squad.

“I very much doubt we will sign Kevin. I know him from my time at West Ham and he is a model professional,” said Hendon.

“He has been training last week and the lads have absolutely loved having him there. It has been a positive having him with us, especially after the Exeter match.

“It was a nice pick you up for the lads and he sent them a message before our Cambridge game wishing them all the best.”

Orient’s head coach revealed the president Francesco Becchetti has met Nolan, but the former Upton Park skipper isn’t expected to sign for the O’s.

His influence on the talented, younger members of Hendon’s squad has been good, says the Brisbane Road boss.

“The president met Kevin the other day at the training ground and tried to put a sheet of paper in front of him quickly so you never know,” joked the Orient head coach. “I am sure Kevin will have a lot of offers from a lot of clubs.

“He has just come in to keep his fitness up and he is a fit lad anyway and looks after himself. I have seen him talking to some of the younger lads and they are asking a little bit of advice from him so it has been a pleasure having him.”

Jack Payne, who made his debut during the 1-1 draw with Cambridge United on Saturday, praised the experienced midfielder.

He added: “Kevin has been good. It is always nice to have that experience and he has played at the top level so even in training you can watch him and see things that he does and it has been good.

“He will chat to you and you ask him any questions and he will be great so it has been nice having him about.”