AN ORIENT player who became a regular fixture of Geraint WIlliams’ survival side has spoken about how his time at Brisbane Road helped him grow up.

19-year-old Jordan Spence arrived on loan from West Ham in mid November, when Orient was enduring a dark time on the pirch.

He had to sit on the bench and watch as the team under Martin Ling sunk further down the table.

Spence made just one appearance under Ling. His chance to impress would only come after Ling was sacked in January and Kevin Nugent took short-term control.

“I was new at the club and I hardly played. But that was the boss’s choice and it was a good learning curve for me, as I got to see things from a different angle.

“It was difficult knowing that I could play and wanted to play, but I came through the other side. I have faith in Christ, that’s where my strength comes from, so it was all part of the experience and helping me get to where I want to be.”

The 6’6” centre-back who had bided his time filled his own sizable boots after Nugent gave him the chance he craved.

By the time Geraint WIlliams arrived in February, Spence was a first team regular.

He told the Guardian: “There wasn’t many 18-year-old centre halves around in League One and the games were very physical, more physical than I was used to playing at West Ham. But I think I adapted to it. I knew what i was coming into and what to be ready for. I think it’ll help my game in years to come.”

He sees many of those years ahead at West Ham. There, he is on the fringe of the first team once more, waiting to prove himself all over again.

But every day at the club’s training ground in Chadwell Heath is an education.

“I only have to look at the players whom I’m around every single day to learn. Matty Upson is an England international. There’s James Collins, Danny Gabbidon, and Lucas Neill too. There’s a huge array of talent for me to watch and play alongside, but also to compete with.

“I want to play in West Ham’s first team. It’s definitely a challenge, but I have time on my side.

“I had a good experience at Orient, but it was good to go back and be involved in the last three games of the season.

“I’ll certainly be following the O’s next season and sending my support. Geraint Williams knows just what he’s doing and he knows what he wants. I’ve no doubt he’s the best man to take Orient forwards.”