'Loyal' Patulea Signs For Orient

Last updated : 23 June 2009 By Peter Muxlow

Adrian Patulea has today left Lincoln City after just 33 appearances in 10 months. The cult hero has signed a two year deal with League One side Leyton Orient, snubbing a similar offer from the Imps.

Patulea will sign the deal on July 1st.

His short stay has prompted much debate amongst Imps fans, both as to his ability and to his loyalty to the club.

When he first came to the club he claimed to be available on a free transfer, but in actual fact cost Lincoln almost £15,000 from Petrolul. However once a fee was agreed he started playing, and scoring goals.

Despite everything appearing happy on the field, rumours began to circulate that Patulea wasn't the perfect professional he claimed to be. His training wasn't up to standard alleged some, whilst others believed that Peter Jackson felt his star man was becoming too big. One thing was for sure - Patulea aspired to bigger and better things.

As reported on LCM yesterday things reached an all time low towards the end of the season when Patulea went on local radio and told how he felt it was his 'last applause' as a Lincoln player - despite their being a deal on offer to him. At the end of the season he was offered the deal a second time, and suddenly quotes such as 'I want to stay if the gaffer wants me' and 'I love the club for giving me a chance' dried up, everything went silent. Then today the news has broken he has signed for Orient.

This debate will no doubt divide Imps fans ahead of the new season, but the truth is Patulea is a decent striker, but not an exceptional one and LCM believes he'll struggle to adapt to League One football. Watch for him fishing for a move in ten months time.