Orient hitman thanks strike partners
Leyton Orient forward Jay Simpson (right) celebrates after scoring against Stevenage with Ollie Palmer (pic: Simon O'Connor). - Credit: Archant
After reaching milestone, former Hull City ace has praised impact of his fellow forwards at Brisbane Road
Leyton Orient forward Jay Simpson celebrates with his team mates and Paul McCallum (right) at the start of the season (pic: Simon O'Connor). - Credit: Archant
Leyton Orient forward Jay Simpson has paid tribute to his strike partners after reaching 20 goals for the campaign.
The former Arsenal youngster has been in scintillating form all season for the O’s and leads the scoring charts in League Two.
After getting off the mark on the opening day against Barnet, the 27-year-old hasn’t looked back.
But he has had to form partnerships with two different people this year – Paul McCallum and Ollie Palmer.
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Simpson and McCallum initially developed a great link in pre-season and took that into the League Two campaign.
Leyton Orient forward Jay Simpson celebrates after netting a late equaliser against Stevenage (pic: Simon O'Connor). - Credit: Archant
That was until McCallum suffer cruciate ligament damage to his knee and then Palmer was given his chance.
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Whilst the former Mansfield Town forward hasn’t scored too many times himself, he has played a part in a number of goals for Orient’s leading marksmen.
“It was very disappointing to lose Paul to the injury that he had because he had a great pre-season and started the campaign well,” said Simpson.
“He scored a few goals and then obviously picked up his injury so Ollie has come in and works really hard.
Leyton Orient forward Paul McCallum leaves the field against Northampton Town on a stretcher (pic: Simon O'Connor). - Credit: Archant
“It helps me a lot with the work rate he brings to the side. He is a big lad and takes a lot of bumps, bruises and whacks for me so I appreciate his work rate.”
Simpson’s previous best total for a season was back in the 2009/10 season at Queens Park Rangers when he scored 13 times.
Even the former Hull City man couldn’t have expected to enjoy as much success this year as he has for Orient.
But he wouldn’t reveal what his new target is, but did say he will be looking to push on even more now.
“I keep my targets to myself and as I said before I have short term and long term goals. When I do reach them I set new targets, but I’ll be pushing on now,” added Simpson.
Leyton Orient forward Jay Simpson taps in against Bristol Rovers to score his 18th goal of the season (pic: Simon O'Connor). - Credit: Archant
Despite speculation over his future, it appears League Two’s top goalscorer is happy at Brisbane Road and loving the opportunity to play week in, week out.