There has not been a great deal to shout about this season for the beleaguered supporters of Leyton Orient who have watched their club spiral towards the National League.
Step forward, Myles Judd. The club’s 18-year-old right-back and the newly crowned League Two Apprentice of the Year.
The second year apprentice, who has been with Orient since he was 10-years-old, signed professional terms with the club earlier this season and his emergence alongside several of his peers from the club’s academy has represented a beacon of hope for the future.
Judd, who made his senior bow against Luton almost 18 months ago has impressed since stepping up to first team duties on a more regular basis this year.
“It was just a dream come true to play for Leyton Orient,” he said.
“I’ve been with them since I was 10, so I was very happy to sign my professional contract with the club.
“You learn a lot because you’re obviously playing against older experienced professionals. It’s different to the youth team, physically and mentally and I think I’m learning a lot. I’m quite modest but I believe in my ability and I’m going to try and push myself to go as far as I can.”
That exposure to first team football has so far, encompassed over 20 appearances in testing times, however Judd has coped admirably with those pressures, according to the club’s Academy manager Miguel de Souza.
“He’s done fantastically well in a difficult season and is a pleasure to work with,” de Souza said.
“He’s very professional. He turns up on a day-to-day basis and fulfils all his other responsibilities before he goes out and trains. He always gives his best in everything he does and has become a role model for the other young players to look up to.
“His transition from the youth team to the first team has been seamless which is testament to his professionalism. He’s also been able to use that professionalism in the classroom where he has made extraordinary progress.”
