Finn O’Boyle 36 Leyton Orient

O’BOYLE FINN

BOYLE

While countless footballers will play for a club during it’s lifetime. Few players earn the privilege of writing themselves in to the history books of their club for years to come. However, despite being just 17-years of age Finn O’Boyle has achieved just that. In our Papa Johns Trophy match against Morecambe last month, the winger made history in becoming the first academy player to score for the club since the Academy side was created in 2021... Words: Nickolas McInally

After scoring on his first-team debut, O’Boyle admitted the adrenaline from the night took over as he looks back with fond memories.

Reflecting on the occasion, he said: “I’m still getting my head around it to be honest. I obviously didn’t sleep very much that night but it was such a great experience for me. I trained with the first team the day before the game but I didn’t expect to be starting. I was shocked when I heard my name in the starting line-up. It didn’t feel real, I had to check with one of the coaches that it had actually happened.”

With first-team debuts being a significant landmark to all young and hopeful footballers, the winger was pleased to share this landmark with his family who had made the trip to The EnviroVent Stadium.

He added: “I knew I would be involved the day before so my mum and dad managed to get along to the game and be there to support me. It was good to share what was a really proud moment for them and me.”

In featuring alongside fellow Academy products George Horbury and Emmanuel Ilesanmi, Town’s number 32 believes the familiarity is something which helped him to take full advantage of his opportunity.

He explained: “It was definitely easier to have some familiar faces around me. I have played with (George Horbury) and Mani (Emmanuel Ilesanmi) a lot over the last couple of years so there was some familiarity to my debut. They are good players as well and it was great to play alongside them for the first team.”

While lessons will be learned on the pitch, the tricky winger believes he has improved as a result of the work in the build up to the match off the pitch.

He said: “I spoke with Thirs (Paul Thirlwell) quite a bit. Before the game he was giving me a lot of information like where I needed to be in different scenarios. Personally for me, that was a great experience in itself. Every coach has a different way of working and because it’s early in my career I haven’t worked with too many. Seeing things from his point of view definitely helped me to improve my understanding of the game and hopefully that is something I can show moving forward.”

For the 17-year-old, the occasion was topped off when on the 28th minute he scored his first professional goal for the club as he was able to fire Town level with his powerful shot.

Speaking on the goal, he said: “The ball came in to the box and I knew Sam (Folarin) was going up for it and I had a feeling it would drop for me so I was ready to react to that. Luckily it did and I just smashed the ball and it went in.”

In looking ahead to the future, O’Boyle admits his first team experience has fuelled his desire to ensure more opportunities come his way in the months ahead.

He said: “Having that experience was great and I know I have to keep working hard in training and in games. I have started this season well but I have to keep getting goal contributions and helping the team. If I can keep doing that then I’m confident that the opportunities will come.”

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