Leyton Orient’s express return is double boost for Barnsley striker

The Barnsley striker’s infectious smile is soon visible when asked what the Reds’ League One promotion campaign of redemption means to him, with his pride at his own contribution in a breakthrough season being similarly obvious.

The young Londoner is also quick to share his joy at events at his former club Leyton Orient too, with their own renaissance following a grim chapter in the club’s history being something that the Reds forward is quick to reference.

Adeboyejo was part of an O’s squad who were relegated from the Football League for the first time in their 112-year history just over two years ago in a desperate end to 2016-17.

The 21-year-old rebuffed a new deal to link up with Barnsley in November 2017 following a successful trial in a season which ultimately ended with the Oakwell outfit dropping out of the Championship themselves.

Thankfully, there is now a far happier story to pen for Adeboyejo and also former club Orient following their recent return to the EFL after being crowned as National League champions.

Adeboyejo, who played under no fewer than five managers during that relegation season in East London – at a club which resembled a ‘basket-case’ – said: “This is totally different to my previous experiences.

“What a feeling to be part of a promotion. I am sure a lot of their players will be saying the same and will be absolutely buzzing.

“It has been amazing and to be involved in a promotion has been a dream come true because I have been on the other side and seen bad ends to the season.

“But this is worth it and when it hit me, I was just amazed. Congratulations for Orient as well to be promoted to League Two.

“I have spoken to a few of the players and they are over the moon and the club deserve it, to be fair, as they had such a torrid time around the time I was there. The fans also deserve it. I have come a long way.

“When I signed, it was fresh to be involved in a Championship set-up.

“Unfortunately, it was not to be, but now I have another chance at it and hopefully, it will be a better experience.”

Adeboyejo’s education will continue within a Championship environment next season, but he will always cherish and never forget the events of the last nine months, with the portents set fair from day one.

Adeboyejo’s maiden goal for Barnsley on an opening day to savour in the 4-0 routing of Oxford United – on his debut from the bench – set the tone for a campaign with a goal seven days later in a derby victory at Bradford City further fortifying his burgeoning confidence levels.

For all and sundry, it ultimately proved a magical season which saw a group of young, hungry and determined players quickly buy into the high-pressing and high-intensity demands of head coach Daniel Stendel.

Togetherness and team harmony soon added to the irresistible cocktail in what made for the most healthy of dressing-room environments and a successful one for Adeboyejo.

Adeboyejo, who made 31 appearances in all competitions for the Reds, added: “From the start of the season we just believed that we had enough in the changing room to get us promoted and it was just about taking on board what the manager was trying to get across and showing it out on the pitch.

“From the first game, we bought into that system and the results and performances shone through and now we are in a good position.

“He (Stendel) gave us the belief and confidence that we were good enough to get promoted. We have a young team of players. Everyone says: ‘Where is the experience?’ But we did not need it.

“We just needed everyone sticking together, working hard and running about and that is the kind of belief that Daniel has put into us – that we were good enough to do it.”