Former West Ham United winger Favour Fawunmi has outlined the qualities he believes he will bring to Leyton Orient after joining the League One side on loan for the remainder of the season.
The 19-year-old completed his deadline day move having been on the fringes of Stoke City’s first team under Mark Robins, including substitute appearances in the club’s previous two matches.
He joins an Orient side embroiled in a relegation battle in League One, just 12 months after their surge to the play-offs caught everyone by surprise. Now, the former Premier League man is eager to help his current employer away from the drop zone.
Having only left West Ham a year ago, Fawunmi says the loan move gives him the chance to play regular senior football for the first time, while returning to an area that holds personal significance for him.
“I’m energetic, hard working and a direct and skilful player that wants to beat people and score goals. Hopefully I can bring that to the team.”
The winger also spoke about the appeal of returning to East London, where he grew up, and the encouragement he received before leaving Stoke.
“I spoke to Tommy Simkin just before I left Stoke today and he said that I would definitely enjoy it here. To be back in East London, where I am from, means a lot and to have the opportunity to play in front of lots of other people from East London is a really nice feeling. I’m excited to start.”
Leyton Orient head coach Richie Wellens believes Fawunmi’s style will offer something different in the attacking third, particularly in one-on-one situations.
“Favour is a very direct player who will give us something different in our attacking areas. He likes to get one-on-one and commit defenders, which will only help our other forward players.
“He is young and still has a lot to learn but he has a great willingness to learn, is buzzing to be here and I hope that he can develop with us and also make an impact on our team.”
From Stoke’s perspective, the loan is seen as a developmental step for a player they continue to rate highly after signing him from West Ham last year.
“Stoke rate Favour very highly and they have entrusted us with the next stage of his development,” said Orient director of football Martin Ling. “That means being exposed to men’s football more regularly and we believe that he has the talent to have a very positive impact on our team.”
Fawunmi will now look to translate that promise into consistent performances as Orient push on in League One, with the loan designed to provide minutes, responsibility and a clearer platform to showcase his strengths.
The O’s have certainly had success in the past with loan players, none more so than Charlie Kelman, who played a key role in their rise last season. They like wingers as well: Theo Archibald is a good example of a player who can drop a shoulder and excite.
The question is not whether the player is the right fit for Orient, but rather whether he can show that he is, and help them away from the bottom four. Currently, only a point separates them and those in the drop zone, with them having played a game more.
