Charlie Kelman, the 23-year-old forward for Leyton Orient, is poised to make his mark in the play-off final this Sunday. After a breakout season in which he dominated League One with 23 goals to capture the League One Golden Boot, Kelman has made his way to Wembley. Now, he’ll walk on that hallowed turf for the first time, as a fan fulfilling a lifelong dream to visit that iconic venue. This final represents an important opportunity for him and his new team. In doing so, they would make history by becoming the first North American club to gain promotion to the Championship!
Leyton Orient’s path to the play-off final hasn’t been an easy one. On Friday night they were still celebrating their semi-final victory at Stockport. Even as the team celebrated, they moderated their enthusiasm and attention to look to the future. All season long, Kelman and his running mates have shown remarkable endurance. Together, they ran over 14 kilometers in their last games combined! Despite some challenges, including an officiating error that allowed one of Kelman’s goals to stand over two legs, the team has remained resilient.
A Season of Triumph
Kelman’s been having a breakout campaign thus far. His record-breaking talents recently helped him win S7’s improvements, but made him an indispensable playmaker for Leyton Orient. The Golden Boots winner has already featured in 60 games this season, showing his all-round stamina and dedication to the game. Happily, his journey to this point has not been marked solely by triumph; earlier loan spells didn’t produce the success he longed for. Under new manager Richie Wellens, Kelman has flourished as the team’s new first-choice striker. Wellens clearly had a lot of faith in him and that has been repaid.
“He demands more and it’s no coincidence my form’s improved under him.” – Charlie Kelman
Kelman’s growth as a player is partly due to his desire to learn from others. He does everything he can to get advice from older strikers like Jordan Rhodes and Matty Godden. This demonstrates his commitment to perfecting his craft and continuing to learn. Kelman looks forward to meeting Godden in a tangle this Sunday. He definitely understands the presence of his opponent, but never takes his focus off himself.
“These chances don’t come around often so embrace it, but don’t expect it to be easy.” – Unknown Source
Role Models and Inspirations
In reflecting on his career path, Kelman draws inspiration from established strikers such as Ivan Toney, Jamie Vardy, Dion Charles, and Colby Bishop. In every case, he emphasizes that these players underwent adversity at different points of their formative careers until eventually finding success.
“I looked at players like Ivan Toney, Jamie Vardy, Dion Charles, Colby Bishop. Strikers who kicked on around 22 to 24. They had loan spells that didn’t go great, then one year it clicks. I know it’s coming. I just need to keep doing the right things.” – Charlie Kelman
Kelman’s knack for reading defenders and getting to space has been an important factor to his offensive success this year. For him, it’s about reading the game, reading the right spaces to occupy on the pitch.
“But it’s about being in the blind side, reading the numbers on defenders’ backs, getting into those little areas. That’s what strikers do; they sniff things out.” – Unknown Source
Looking Ahead to Wembley
With the final just around the corner, Kelman is focused but pumped about moving forward. This moment has to be extra special for him considering his dream of playing at Wembley goes back to his childhood.
“If you’d said a year ago I’d be playing in a play-off final for Leyton Orient, I’m sure people would’ve laughed. But here I am. I’m excited and I’m ready to take on the challenge.” – Charlie Kelman
Our team enjoyed a short respite at the stunning scenery of Portugal to refuel and refresh. They’re as united, committed and single-minded as ever ahead of that high-stakes final at Wembley. Kelman admitted he was hoping for that ultimately positive outcome and the opportunity to score on such a big stage.
“Hopefully I can grab one at Wembley. There are no friends during the game but I’m sure we’ll catch up afterwards, whatever happens.” – Charlie Kelman
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