McSweeney arrives at Orient

Orient have made their second summer signing with Leon McSweeney joining the O’s on a two-year deal.

The midfielder, 27, signed a deal at Brisbane Road after his 18-month spell with Hartlepool came to an end.

He has been described as a utility player so looks to be taking the role Jason Crowe did for us last season. Whilst versatility may indicate a lack of ability to command a starting 11 spot, it offers us good options in a small squad.

McSweeney told leytonorient.com: “I’m absolutely delighted to be here. I met with the gaffer earlier in the summer and I was just blown away by the meticulous plans he has for the future of this club, and it’s great that he wants me as part of those plans.

“The manager wants to maintain the footballing philosophy that he’s instilled last season. He’s also said that he wants to tighten up in certain areas, increase competition for places and go one step further next year.

“I’ll bring a directness, enthusiasm and creativity, and I’m quite confident that whatever area of the park the manager chooses to play me in that I’ll give a performance to warrant my inclusion on a regular basis.”

Like many of Slade’s previous transfers, McSweeney has played under Slade before at Scarborough. He has played at Leicester City, Hucknall Town, Hednesford Town, Ilkeston Town, Cork City and Stockport. He then went on to play 88 times, scoring 4 goals for Hartlepool over two seasons.

Russell Slade told leytonorient.com: “I always try to identify players who can play in a number of positions and Leon can certainly do that.

“He can play wide right in a 4-5-1 or 4-4-2 as well as right back, and he can also play as part of a midfield three.

“He’s a naturally fit athlete and we’re really looking forward to working with him.”

Having a player that can play in a wide right position is a bonus as this has been a problem position for a while, though I would hope that McSweeney comes in as a utility squad player rather than a replacement for Jimmy Smith, whose future at the O’s is still unknown.

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