Tottenham man admits early-season struggles was ‘one of toughest moments’ of his career

Jamie Donley has opened up on the struggles that he faced earlier this season at Leyton Orient and about his upcoming chance to make his mark on the big stage.

Jamie Donley has turned around his fortunes on loan

Less than two months into the new season, Donley found himself out of the Leyton Orient team and was soon struggling for any minutes, playing just one minute of league football in the whole of November.

However, the 20-year-old has managed to completely turn around his fortunes, and in no time, he has now become one of Orient’s most important players, making the number ten spot his own.

The Tottenham academy graduate, who has five goals and five assists to his name in 21 league games, is spearheading the club’s promotion push in League One.

Jamie Donley opens up on struggles

Donley is rated very highly at Hotspur Way, but this is the youngster’s first taste of senior football out on loan, and he admitted that finding himself out of the side at Brisbane Road was one of the toughest moments of his young career so far.

The Tottenham man explained that he decided to put his head down and work hard, managing to catch the eye of manager Richie Wellens.

Donley told The Independent about his struggles during October and November: “It was probably one of the toughest moments of my career so far. Coming straight in and playing, then being left out of the squad and on the bench but not getting a sniff.

“I had people close to me I would speak to. They said to keep training hard and I spoke to the gaffer. Asked him some questions about what does he want from me and he said to keep training hard.

“There were obviously little bits and bobs in game and I got a chance when I started the Bristol game. I’ve started every game since pretty much and he’s been really happy with me. All the staff have helped me and they have probably made me a better player with the way I have been in recent form, but I’ve just got to keep doing that.”

Donley looking to make his mark in huge game

Donley will get a chance to go up against the Premier League champions on Saturday as Orient host Manchester City in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

The Tottenham academy graduate has already faced Pep Guardiola’s men. In fact, he made his senior debut as a late substitute in Spurs’ 3-3 draw at the Etihad Stadium during the 2023-24.

The attacking midfielder admitted that he cannot wait to go up against City’s star-studded lineup, insisting that he is focused on causing what will be a historic upset.

When asked about his Spurs debut against the Manchester club, Donley said: “Yeah, it was one of the best moments of my life, obviously being a Tottenham fan that will always be a special moment and how proud my family were with me.

“Hopefully I get more touches in the game (FA Cup clash). You never know, I might not touch the ball but it will be a great experience for us and hopefully, we give them a good challenge.

“It will be exciting but I won’t be looking up to them in the game. I will run after them, try to kick them, try to get the ball off them and win the game ultimately because that is what we are there to do. Obviously, it will be a good moment for the club, but in my mind, I am definitely thinking about trying to win and getting through to the next round.”

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