Leyton Orient will dread life in Championship for one key reason, there’s work to be done if they win play-offs.

Either Leyton Orient or Charlton Athletic will play in the Championship next season, but as we approach the League One play-off final, the former must be fearful of one thing.

This year’s League One season has been thrilling, with Birmingham City’s record-breaking title run and Wrexham’s historic promotion alongside them.

However, the race for the League One play-offs was equally exciting. After Stockport County and Wycombe Wanderers were eliminated in the semi-finals, Leyton Orient and Charlton Athletic will face off at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

There is merit in either team advancing to the Championship, at least for neutrals, but Orient fans must be concerned if they succeed this weekend.

Leyton Orient’s success this season comes from loanees.

Leyton Orient’s impressive rise up the League One table this season has caught the attention of the EFL, with manager Richie Wellens doing an excellent job.

Orient appeared to be genuine relegation contenders early in the season, but they turned things around and finished in the top six.

However, the players they credit for their success are not even their own. Josh Keeley, Jamie Donley, Charlie Kelman, and Jack Currie have been the backbone of this Orient team, but they’ve all come from somewhere else.

Kelman has been in incredible form, scoring 27 goals this season. However, he is currently on loan from QPR and is unlikely to return to Orient for the next season.

Likewise, both Donley and Keeley are on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. The former is top of the assists chart this season with 11, and he’s added a further eight goals, too. Keeley, meanwhile, kept a whopping 16 clean sheets this term, and even scored a goal in the FA Cup.

Take away those three alone and you lose 36 goals, 17 assists, and a massive part of the defensive line that has helped Orient thrive this year. Throw in Currie, too, and you’re losing one of the best full-backs in League One.

Going into the next division without any one of those players would be harmful. Trying to survive in the Championship without all four would be nigh on impossible.

Leyton Orient expert issues a dire warning

James Shearman, a Leyton Orient expert, shared his thoughts on the League One club’s current season and future prospects.

He stated: “Leyton Orient’s use of the loan market this season has set a precedent for all EFL clubs.” First and foremost, both Tottenham loanees have performed admirably.

“Donley struggled initially, but has since demonstrated why he will undoubtedly play Premier League minutes at some point in his career. His vision, passing, and ball-striking abilities are far above League One standards.

Keeley replaced Middlesbrough loanee Zach Hemming, who had underperformed, putting him under immediate pressure to perform.

“With an FA Cup match-winning header, an impressive performance against Manchester City, and penalty saves in the play-off semi-final shootout versus Stockport County, he’s had more special moments for Orient this season than some League One goalkeepers would in a decade.”

Shearman was quick to praise Jack Currie, who has slipped under the radar in many ways, saying: “Currie is probably the lesser-known of Orient’s four loanees. After joining Oxford United from AFC Wimbledon, he was unexpectedly loaned to the East London club.

“It’s hard to think of a better full-back at the level, and his tenacity sums up everything right about this Orient side.”

Player	Games	Goals	Assists	Clean sheets
Josh Keeley	46	1	0	16
Jack Currie	44	0	2	18
Jamie Donley	51	8	11	/
Charlie Kelman	60	27	6	/

However, Kelman is the star of the show. His goals, which range from spectacular to wonderfully simple, have helped Leyton Orient climb the league, and they could be the difference at Wembley Stadium this weekend.

On Orient’s star striker, Shearman said: “This is Kelman’s second spell with the O’s, and his first wasn’t particularly impressive. What a difference a year makes. In the 24/25 season, he has upped his game significantly.

“The goal contributions are notable, but it is his relentless pressing and runs in behind that define him as a well-rounded talent.

“Unfortunately for Orient, other teams will have taken notice. Kelman and Currie will undoubtedly return to QPR and Oxford, respectively, to play key roles.

“However, perhaps Spurs would be tempted to send Keeley and Donley for another year under Richie Wellens, especially if that’s for a spell in the Championship.”

Shearman concluded with a stern warning to the Leyton Orient hierarchy. Win promotion but fail to retain or replace the four players mentioned, and they’ll be back in League One before you know it.

“Without them, and without some more excellent recruitment, Orient’s stay in the Championship would definitely be short-lived,” he told me. “That is, unless new majority shareholder David Gandler is willing to provide transfer funds never seen at the club before.”

We’ll have to see what Sunday brings. Of course, having to think about how to navigate life in the division above is a good problem for Orient. Most League One teams would kill to be faced with such a dilemma this summer.

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