Leyton Orient full-back Tom James is set to sign a new contract with the club, despite interest from fellow League One clubs Northampton Town, Stevenage and Bristol Rovers.
Tom 28, signed for Leyton Orient under then-manager Kenny Jackett in the Summer of 2021, and it looks like his stay with the League One club will be extended according to Pete O’Rourke.
The Career of Tom James
Tom, came through the academy at Cardiff City before heading to Yeovil Town on a free transfer in January 2017, where he went on to play 96 games scoring eight goals.
The defender for the 19/20 season made the move to the SPL side Hibernian, where he struggled to make an impact during his first season with the club only managing six appearances, amounting to 494 minutes.
His main playtime was in the Scottish League Cup where he played five games accumulating 510 minutes.
The 20/21 season, was a lot more productive for Tom, as he headed out on loan to League One side Wigan Athletic, for the first half of the season, where he was ever present making twenty appearances.
The defender moved to Salford City, who at the time were coached by Richie Wellens, the head coach of Leyton Orient, after Wigan decided not to extend the loan.
After being let go by Hibernian, the defender joined Leyton Orient for the 20–21 season, initially inking a one-year contract. The following summer, he signed a two-year agreement.
Over his time with The O’s Tom has made 120 appearances scoring 9 and assisting 10 as well as playing a big role in helping the club win the League Two title in 22/23
A good move by The O’s?
Tom is comfortable playing on the left or right-hand side of defence, while possessing great technical attributes he needs to show this more consistently.
We see glimpses of what Tom can do, for example, his defence-splitting pass against Shrewsbury Town on the final day of the season, but he has moments where he seems to lack concentration leading to a misplaced pass.
Having said that, having versatile players in your squad is always a good option to have and Tom no doubt offers this. He also provides great availability having not missed a game through injury last season.
Compared to other fullbacks in League One last season, Tom was in the top 99th percentile for Touches with Orient favouring a play out-from-the-back style of play, as well as the 94th percentile for shot attempts and top 89th percentile for chances created.
He also was in the 92nd percentile for Expected Assists for full-backs in League One last season at 5.06.
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