Leyton Orient have completed the permanent signing of midfielder Dan Kemp from West Ham United.
The 22-year-old had been on loan at League One side Blackpool, but the deal was cut short to allow him to make the short move across East London to the O’s.
He joins on a two-and-a-half-year contract.
Dan Kemp Signs for Leyton Orient
🖋 𝗦𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗱!
We’re delighted to say that Dan Kemp has signed permanently for the club from West Ham, on a two and a half year contract.
Welcome to The O’s, @DanKemp11!#LOFC #OnlyOneOrient pic.twitter.com/TuJJldYdL9
— Leyton Orient (@leytonorientfc) January 15, 2021
What Was Said?
Speaking to the club website, Orient head coach Ross Embleton said: “I’m delighted. There’s been a couple of windows where we’ve looked to take him on loan but it hasn’t materialised. He’s a player we have been aware of a very long time. I’m over the moon to have secured someone of his quality.
“Getting Dan into the building gives him the opportunity to meet everyone and get used to what he does and where to go.”
Kemp himself added: “I’m delighted to be here. It is a great club. I can’t wait to get going. The manager is a massive part of me joining. His philosophy is exciting and his reputation of developing young players is something that attracted me.
“I love to get on the ball and makes things happen. I want to score goals and create chances but I’m also an honest player that works hard for the team.”
Kemp’s Career
Kemp came through the youth academy at West Ham after spending a decade in the youth teams at Chelsea between 2005 and 2015.
His first loan came in 2020 when he joined League Two strugglers Stevenage. Here, he scored his first career goal in a 2-1 defeat away at Exeter City.
Kemp was a regular performer for Blackpool this season, making his competitive debut in a goalless draw against Barrow in the Papa John’s Trophy.
He scored his first goal for the Tangerines in the same competition against Leeds United U21s and struck in the next game – a 4-0 win away at Harrogate in the FA Cup.
In his last game for the club – the brilliant FA Cup win against Premier League side West Bromwich Albion – Kemp provided an assist, which helped the side through to penalties where they were victorious.
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