In this series at Everything Orient, we take a look back at ex-Orient players and see where their careers have taken them since their departure from Brisbane Road.
Player Profile
Paul McCallum’s Orient career lasted two years, between 2015 and 2017. He made a total of 43 appearances for the club where he managed to score 15 times and become Orient's top goal scorer in the 2016/17 season. The English striker, now 25, currently plays his football in the National League.
Where Have They Been?
Paul’s career started at Dulwich Hamlet, where his prolific goal scoring attracted many Premier League giants. He chose to sign for West Ham United in 2011, joining their Under-21 Development Squad. McCallum’s stay at The Hammers lasted until 2015, however, he didn't make a single appearance for the first team.
He was loaned out many times in his West Ham career, to sides such as Wimbledon, Aldershot, Torquay, Hearts and eventually Portsmouth. The striker never managed over 10 appearances for any of these clubs, and in total only scored 10 goals across 3 years.
Following his release from West Ham in 2015, McCallum signed for Leyton Orient on a two-year contract. He scored on his debut against Barnet in Orient’s first game of the season, and then went on to score 14 more goals in 43 appearances. He left Orient in 2017, as he wasn’t offered a new contract following the recent relegation, despite being the clubs top scorer that season with 12 goals.
Where Are They Now?
After leaving east London, Paul McCallum signed a two-year contract with National League side Eastleigh. He made 18 appearances last season scoring four goals, and has started both games for The Spitfires so far this season, scoring once in their 2-1 loss to Solihull.
