Jamie Donley has credited Tottenham’s academy coaches for continuing to help him through the challenges he is facing in his first test of men’s football at Leyton Orient. He has even revealed what they have been telling him.
A test of character for Jamie Donley at Leyton Orient
Donley will likely be on cloud nine at the moment after emerging as one of the best players in League One over the last few months and producing the heroics he did in the FA Cup against Manchester City recently.
However, it has not been all smooth sailing at Orient for the youngster, who found himself out of the team – and on a couple of occasions, even out of the matchday squad – back in October and November.
That is something he had to battle through, and he even admitted last week that that spell was “one of the toughest moments” of his young career so far.
Jamie Donley credits Tottenham coaches for their support
The attacking midfielder has shown that he is not one to cower in the face of adversity, working hard to win over manager Richie Wellens and forcing himself into the starting line.
The 20-year-old is now reaping his rewards, appearing to get better and better with each outing and playing with the kind of swagger that one often saw him do for Tottenham’s youth sides.
Donley has now given credit a lot of credit to Spurs Under-18s coach Stuart Lewis for helping him overcome his challenges at Brisbane Road. He also revealed that Under-21s coach Wayne Burnett and academy coach Brad Allen continue to instil belief in him.
The Tottenham academy graduate said about his tough spell earlier this season (Tottenham): “It was definitely a difficult start, but I had good people around me – people like Stuart Lewis and the staff at Orient, plus obviously my family – who were able to help me to stick with it.
“I always had the self-belief but I spoke with the gaffer here, he told me what he wanted and I think we’ve all been really happy with the last couple of months.
“I’ve got a great relationship with Stuart because obviously he’s coached me from a young age and has been there for me through the years.
“I spoke to Wayne Burnett and Brad Allen as well – these are all people who care very much about me and all the players in the Academy. They told me they’ve always had belief in my ability and I appreciate the help they’ve given me on this journey.”
Could Donley make a big first-team impact next season?
Some might feel that the ideal thing for Donley at the moment is to continue playing regularly, which is why a loan move to a decent Championship side might be the logical next step next season.
However, we know that Postecoglou is not shy of handing opportunities to young and inexperienced players.
If Donley can impress in pre-season after returning to Hotspur Way in the summer, he might even have a chance of having a key squad role similar to the one Lucas Bergvall has had this season.