Tottenham loanees Josh Keeley and Jamie Donley now stand just one game away from Championship football with Leyton Orient. “Everyone wrote us off at the start, but now look at us, we are in the final.”
What a season it has been for Tottenham Hotspur loanees Josh Keeley and Jamie Donley at Leyton Orient.
The duo have impressed throughout their time at the O’s and are now just one win away from sending the League One side up to the Championship next season.
Jamie Donley, who has only just had his first taste of professional football this season, has been instrumental to Richie Wellens’ side, scoring eight goals and providing ten assists in 39 League One appearances.
Josh Keeley has been just as solid for the O’s, with the young shot-stopper conceding only 38 goals in the league and keeping 16 clean sheets in 38 matches – the fifth-most in the division.
Josh Keeley and Jamie Donley lead Leyton Orient to playoff final
Leyton Orient secured their place in the League One playoff final after seeing off Stockport County 4-1 on penalties, following a dramatic 3-3 aggregate draw across both legs of the semi-final.
Josh Keeley was the standout performer on the night, pulling off a series of crucial saves during the match and producing heroics in the shootout.
The Tottenham loanee saved Jack Diamond’s penalty, helping Orient book their spot in the final. Speaking after the match, Keeley expressed his delight at reaching the final.
When told that his manager had likened him to former Premier League keeper Shay Given, Keeley told Sky Sports: “I mean, I think that is a compliment to the max, to be fair. I mean I cannot believe it. I cannot believe it, it is a dream come true. Everyone wrote us off at the start. Now look at us in the final.”
On his penalty save, he added: “I mean, a lot of people just say it is my job. You know, I am happy to save a pen. At the end of the day, Rocey gives me the details and I stick to it. I trust my gut, I trust his gut and I went with it. I mean, I went the right way one time.”
Tottenham loanees could end season with promotion
Josh Keeley and Jamie Donley will now face one of Wycombe Wanderers or Charlton Athletic in the League One playoff final.
Should they win that game, Leyton Orient would earn a place in the Championship next season – a remarkable achievement for a side few tipped to get this far.
While both Spurs loanees are expected to return to north London after their spell in League One, it would not be a surprise if Leyton Orient attempt to bring them back next season, such has been their impact at Brisbane Road.