Charlie Kelman interview: Leyton Orient striker on Wembley dream, role models and rising to the big stage

Charlie Kelman opens up about the long wait for Wembley, the squad’s unity, and the dream to finish the job and take Leyton Orient to the Championship; watch the League One play-off final live on Sky Sports Football from 12pm on Sunday; kick-off 1.01pm

It’s starting to get real now…”

After a gruelling semi-final win over Stockport that went the distance, Kelman and his team-mates were given a brief break before ramping up preparations, including a short training stint in Portugal to recharge the batteries.

“It’s been nice,” Kelman – the winner of the League One Golden Boot this season with 23 goals – tells Sky Sports. “After the semi-final, the lads were tired. Everyone covered over 14km. Gaffer gave us the weekend off and then we had some training out in Portugal before returning on Monday.

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“It was nice to be together, take our minds off football but still train. I’ve played 60 games this year, it’s been gruelling. That little break helped. Now I’m just ready. I’m itching to get going.

“We’ve been working tactically all week and now the lads are getting excited. It’s starting to get a bit real.”

Needless to say, there was some initial contention in their semi-final play-off win. The first goal scored by Kelman over the two legs was only allowed after a real error from the officials.

“I was offside,” he acknowledges. “On the pitch, I was saying I wasn’t but I didn’t realise how far I was. I want to apologise to Stockport for that. If Omar [Beckles] doesn’t touch it, I’m onside, so it’s tough for the linesman to see.

“But it’s about being in the blind side, reading the numbers on defenders’ backs, getting into those little areas. That’s what strikers do, they sniff things out.”

From the stands to centre stage

It will be Kelman’s first time playing at Wembley, a venue he always dreamed of stepping out onto as a fan.

“I watched Solihull Moors last year because my best mate was there. I remember saying, ‘I want to play here’.

“If you’d said a year ago I’d be playing in a play-off final for Leyton Orient, I’m sure people would’ve laughed. But here I am. I’m excited and I’m ready to take on the challenge.

“I remember watching West Ham win the play-off final against Blackpool in 2012. I was just a kid, a proper fan, sitting in the stands with my dad, seeing Ricardo Vaz Te score the winner. That was my team growing up.

“Seeing that atmosphere, that occasion, I dreamed of being out there one day. To think I’ll be walking out onto that same pitch now, it’s surreal. Real full-circle stuff.”

Taking inspiration from the best

Kelman’s career has not all been smooth sailing until this point. This has been his real breakout year on loan from QPR at Leyton Orient.

But, at 23, he feels there are perfect examples of strikers from the past who have gone on similar journeys to him.

“I’m big on stats,” he says. “I looked at players like Ivan Toney, Jamie Vardy, Dion Charles, Colby Bishop. Strikers who kicked on around 22 to 24. They had loan spells that didn’t go great, then one year it clicks. I know it’s coming. I just need to keep doing the right things.

“Every time we’ve played experienced strikers like Jordan Rhodes or Matty Godden, I ask them questions. You score 100+ goals in the league, that’s no fluke. I try to add every little detail to my game.”

Godden is an interesting one for him to mention. He, of course, was Charlton’s semi-final match winner and will be lining up against Kelman on Sunday.

“He’s one I’ve looked up to. They call him the sniffer dog. He’s given me advice: keep moving, get on the blindside, get in those channels.

“Hopefully I can grab one at Wembley. There are no friends during the game but I’m sure we’ll catch up afterwards, whatever happens.”

Kelman is also blessed with plenty of figures to learn from on a day-to-day basis at Orient, and he credits Darren Pratley and Omar Beckles for setting the tone behind the scenes.

“Pratts and Becks have been exceptional,” he says. “Pratts is 40 and still runs in training like he’s 17. Becks trains and plays with such intensity. They’ve both said to us: ‘These chances don’t come around often so embrace it, but don’t expect it to be easy’.

“We celebrated at Stockport but didn’t go over the top, because we know the job’s not done.”

Then there is the influence of the manager Richie Wellens, who put his faith in Kelman as his No 9 this season. Safe to say he has reaped the rewards.

“The gaffer’s an interesting character,” Kelman says with a smile. “Calm and composed in training, but on matchday he turns into this passionate monster who’ll do whatever it takes to win.

“He demands more and it’s no coincidence my form’s improved under him. He doesn’t let you rest and he’s always pushing for more.”

‘We’ve already made history… now let’s finish the job’

From nearly going bust to being within one game of the Championship, Kelman knows the scale of what is at stake for Leyton Orient.

“When I signed, I heard the stories about how the club nearly folded,” he says. “Getting promoted from League Two was huge but now we’re one step away from the Championship. It’s incredible. Everyone here should be proud. The players, the staff and the fans.

“I always believed I could make it to a stage like this because I believe, with hard work and focus, that anything is possible. It’s been more bad than good at times, but I’ve kept going.

“I’ve always been told I wouldn’t make it. Stepping out onto that pitch at Wembley is proof I have. I just want to keep going, enjoy my football and enjoy life.

“Hopefully I can help this club make even more history as well.”