New signing Dale Gorman has spoken of his desire to help Leyton Orient get back into the Football League and admitted he almost moved to the O’s in January.

The 22-year-old became Orient’s first summer signing last month after he penned a two-year deal at Brisbane Road after being released by League Two side Stevenage at the end of last season.

Despite his young age, Gorman is experienced in the Football League having made over 60 appearances in League Two during the last three years, with the Northern Irishman establishing himself as a regular in Stevenage’s midfield.

He made 27 appearances in all competitions last season, but his campaign was brought to an abrupt end when he fractured his ankle against Coventry City in April.

That proved to be Gorman’s last appearance for Stevenage as he was released by the club in May, but the young midfielder has been handed a new challenge with Orient in the National League and he’s now determined to help the O’s fight for promotion this campaign.

“I’m absolutely over the moon to be here,” the 22-year-old said.

“It’s such a massive club. It should never be in this division. I’ve come here to be successful at a really good club and I really think this year is a good year for us to kick on and get back into the Football League because that’s what everyone in the dressing room wants to do.

“Long term, I’d like to get the club back to where they belong and into higher leagues than League 2 because it’s got such a good stature and it should never be in this league. We’re going to work hard and we’re going to get back into the Football League.”

Gorman was familiar with the club after he almost joined the O’s on loan in January, only for Stevenage to block the move.

But when Orient came calling once again this summer, the 22-year-old was determined to move to East London and once he sought some advice from two former team-mates, his mind was made up.

Gorman said: “About January time I nearly came here on loan but my previous club stopped that from happening. In the summer, when it came up, it was something that I was attracted to straight away.

“There were other things which came up and I just batted them down. I had my eyes set on coming here. Meeting the manager and hearing what he had to say, my mind was then made up. I just really wanted to sign for Leyton Orient.

“I’ve played against them a few times and I’d always come away from playing against them thinking it was such a good united club. They had really good support every time I played there and even when they came to our place, they always had good support.

“It’s just one of those clubs that when you played against them, you always thought they were a big club with a big stadium. Knowing Charlie Lee and Jobi McAnuff like I do, I spoke to them when this came up and they couldn’t speak highly enough of the club. When two people as good and experienced as they are say that, then you know it’s a good place to be.”