Are Orient's Keepers Too Inexperienced?

To clarify, this opinion piece reflects the views of the individual contributor and should not be generalised to other contributors at Everything Orient.

The O's have four very good and skilled goalkeepers in Sam Sargeant, Charlie Grainger, Dean Brill and Arthur Janata, this showcases very good squad depth and with this we have an advantage over several clubs in our division.  But is this where a problem lies? Here I will assess all of our keepers discussing their strengths and weaknesses in my opinion.

Dean Brill

Deano was recruited as a Goalkeeper coach in the summer, but following Justin's appointment as manager he made the risk of outing him in the starting lineup for his 1st game away at Solihull Moors.

Dean made some very interesting saves in that game, flapping at many shots but keeping most out, despite this he did save a penalty in the closing minutes. Since then, Dean has been ever present in the Orient team since December.

The following game he proved all his doubters wrong with an outstanding performance, helping the desperate Orient to a first win in three months, with a 4-1 win against the league leaders Sutton United.

I like Dean, some of his saves may be comical but he is a good keeper for this level, however he is good at talking to his defence and that maybe key to the fact that were conceding less. 

However, if we want to be challenging for promotion next season I think we need a new first team keeper. There's certain habits he'll get away with in this league that he wouldn't in the Football League. He is very unreliable in my opinion. 

Brill isn't inexperienced but prior to this season he hasn't played in 2 years even though he's been at the likes of Kilmarnock and Colchester (but as third choice). 

Charlie Grainger

A product of the Arsenal Academy, Grainger signed for Orient in 2012. Under Russell Slade, he established himself as Orient's second or third choice goalkeeper behind the likes off Jamie Jones and Eldin Jakupovic. Charlie played in many JPT games, making his O's debut in the competition in an away fixture at Luton in 2013.

Last Season, the young shot stopper went out on loan to National League South side Hampton & Richmond Borough to gain 1st team football. He was recalled by the club in February due to the club failing to pay many of the First Team's wages, this gave Grainger a spot on the bench for the final part of the season. 

Charlie then signed a new three year deal in the summer, the 1st player to commit to the club following Eagle Limited 2017 buying the club from Francesco Becchetti. Under Steve Davis Grainger Became Orient's new number one playing in the first 21 games of the season in all competitions (18 league, 3 cup).

I personally like Charlie, he is a great keeper, he hasn't got the best distribution but he is a great shot stopper and has pulled off some great saves so far this season. In the replay of the FA Cup Qualifier against Dagenham, Charlie pulled off some great stops to deny the Daggers scoring an away goal in the closing minutes. 

Sam Sargeant

Born Local, in the neighbouring borough of Redbridge, Sargeant came through the ranks at the Leyton Orient Academy, in 2015 he went out on loan to low ranked Redbridge Forest, he returned from his loan spell and made his 1st O's appearance in a 1-0 victory at Yeovil Town on the final day of the 2015/16 season. A clean sheet and a good display, earning him a place in the EFL Team of the week. 

In his second season of senior football he became Orient's second choice keeper, behind Alex Cisak. Sam played in several cup games like the 3-2 defeat to Fulham in August and the 5-1 defeat to Brighton U23's in the Checkatrade Trophy. Due to the Senior squad not receiving their wages, Sargeant and many other young and inexperienced 18 year olds were promoted to the first team squad where they subsequently struggled.

Despite this, Sam and the youngsters kept their cool and embraced the opportunity. For example, players like Myles Judd won an EFL award, Steven Alzate signed for Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion, Tristin Abrahams went on to sign for Norwich City and Victor Abebajo signed for Barnsley following trials with the Yorkshire club and Chelsea U23. Well deserved if you ask me.  

Following Charlie Grainger's injury in the warm up against Dover Athletic last month, Sam Saregent was handed his 1st appearance of the season, he remained between the sticks for the next game at home to Chester as the relegation rivals drew 2-2. 

I think Sam is a great keeper, he is comfortable between the sticks, he is quite small for a goalkeeper which I see as an issue, also means why last season we conceded a lot of air balls as well as the sloppy disgraces in the defence. He is good at distributing to his defenders/wide players. 

Arthur Janata

Arthur progressed through the O's academy and is considered the 3rd or 4th choice Goalkeeper to most fans, he was noticed last season for being with the U18s in their FA Youth Cup run which saw them beat Southend United U18s 6-0 at Roots Hall and draw Leicester City U18s, facing off at the King Power Stadium and Brisbane Road.

Him and the U18s went again for another cup success this season, with Arthur playing well in several of the young O's games including good displays against Tower Hamlets, Hornchurch and Biggelswade.

In my opinion, Janata is a good young prospect, one for the future and one to keep, he is a good keeper and sooner or later I believe he can make his way into the team, he has the talent and potential too. Which may prove difficult as we have let go off many top young players in our ranks in the last few months.

Who would I bring in as the first choice goalkeeper?

Scott Loach

Image was published by the Watford Observer

I would sign Hartlepool United keeper Scott Loach in the transfer window, when him and his side came to east London back in September, Loach pulled off a blinder - denying the O's on several occasions and helping Hartlepool to a 2-1 win.

As well as this, the 28 year old keeper is experienced and played at England U21 level. Experience is something our keepers lack as they are quite young. Besides his spell last season, Sargeant's only other spell in a team was playing for Redbridge Forest on loan 2 years ago.

I think we could pay his transfer fee, we are the most financially stable club in the League and one of the richest, I guess his fee would be around £70,000.

Thank you for reading. Do you think Orient could sign another keeper or are you happy with the situation at the moment? Let us know by commenting below or replying to our tweet. Up the O's!