Leyton Orient announced the signing of 26 year old forward Louis Dennis on Thursday. The former Bromley man joins from Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee and with a lot of hype surrounding his transfer, I spoke to Pompey fan Chris Lewis to get his thoughts on Dennis’ move from Fratton Park to Brisbane Road.
Hi Chris, I’ve already seen a number of Pompey fans on social media expressing their disappointment at the fact you’re letting Dennis go. What was your initial reaction when you heard the news?
“A little bit surprised. There were murmurings earlier in the summer that he would be a player that could be on the move as he didn’t really get a look in last season, but he actually seemed to have worked his way into the starting eleven during the early stages of pre-season. However, in the last few games he’s fallen back out of the side behind the likes of Gareth Evans and Brett Pitman, and once he didn’t start against Woking on Tuesday, it looked inevitable he would be on the move.”
And obviously he didn’t play many league games for you, with most of his appearances coming in the Checkatrade Trophy, why do you think Kenny Jackett was so reluctant to give him a go in League One?
“He was a little bit unlucky with the form of others. Gareth Evans started the season playing the best he ever has for us and once he went off the boil Pitman was the chosen one to his place in the ’10’ position in a 4-2-3-1. I don’t think Kenny Jackett thought he was physical enough for the type of football he likes to play.”
From what I’ve read in the press, it seems Jackett was a little bit hesitant about letting him leave. Do you think he might have got a bit more playing time this season had he stayed at Fratton Park, especially with the recent departure of Jamal Lowe?
“I’m doubtful if he would have. Lowe has been replaced by Marcus Harness and Ryan Williams out wide, and with the addition of John Marquis and Ellis Harrison, it seems we’re switching to a 4-4-2 this season. I don’t think Kenny rates him as a wide option so unfortunately he had nowhere to play.”
That’s interesting, we currently operate a 5-2-1-2 formation. Where would you see his most natural position being in that system? It seems he played the majority of his minutes at Portsmouth as a number ten but do you think he has the capability to play up top in a two?
“He’s been used as a number nine in some of the formerly known Checkatrade Trophy games and in behind closed doors friendlies. He could certainly play there on a long term basis. He’s more than got the ability for it. His best position though is probably the number ten role, from the glimpses we have seen.”
Nice one Chris, thanks for your insight and all the best for the upcoming season.
Some great observations on Orient’s latest signing there and once again big thanks to Chris Lewis for helping out. You can follow him on Twitter here and you can follow me on Twitter here.
