JJ wants to make his mark with Orient

11:30am Wednesday 23rd July 2008

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ORIENT winger JJ Melligan has revealed it is full steam ahead despite being taken off the transfer list by manager Martin Ling this week.

The former Cheltenham midfielder failed to reach the expected hights he had been hitting at Whaddon Road during his first season with the O’s last year, which led to Ling making him available to other clubs following a meeting between the pair in May.

But after coming back for pre-season flying, Melligan has since been taken of the list, and the 26-year-old Irishman now hopes to continue in that vein and certainly won’t be resting on his laurels this season.

He said: “When the manager put me on the list I was a little surprised, although I could understand why he did it because I wasn’t playing well every week.

“I know I can play a lot better, but I had found it hard to settle down here after moving and my partner and I were finding it difficult especially as we had just had a new baby.

“That isn’t an excuse, but it really wasn’t helping me play to my potential.

“But because I never wanted to leave the club I decided to get my head down and work hard before coming back to pre-season.

“Hopefully that has proved to the manager I want to be part of his plans, although I know that while I’m off the list I am not in his team yet for this season.

“So I won’t be letting up and I just want to keep proving to the gaffer and the fans that they didn’t see the best of me last season.

“It is strange because when I first went to Cheltenham I had a poor first season and then went on to do well in my next two seasons. In the end I scored 16 goals in two years from midfield which wasn't bad, so hopefully I can find that kind of form in my next couple of campaigns here.”

And Melligan also tipped promising youngster Jason Demetriou to make a big impact at Brisbane Road this season.

He added: “When I came to Orient I could see straight away what a good player this lad is.

“Jason did very well last season, but being a year older and the experience he gained last season I'm sure he will be even better this time.

“He is a fantastic talent and if he can keep on improving I’m sure he will have a very bright future in the game.”