Players cannot stay forever. Despite a season of success. Some have to go.
A look at Leyton Orient's retained list ahead of their League One return in August.
Overall, there were not a tonne of surprises amongst the list, with Orient having their fair share of loan players over the last season that will duly return back to their parent clubs. This list includes: Duke-McKenna, El-Mizouni, Kelman, McCart, Sadlier, Turns. The last three were brought in in January, and were integral to the final promotion push. El-Mizouni was the workhorse of the midfield for The O's and was one of the standout players of the season. He returns to Ipswich Town but talks are underway for another loan deal for next season, as Ipswich will play in the Championship and want the Tunisian to receive game time. American Kelman, on loan from QPR, scored seven goals in 43 appearances for Orient. He is still only 22 years old and may be sent back out on loan next season.
Moving onto the released list, there are some long serving players that are set to leave E10. Most notably, Craig Clay, who has been at Orient since their National League days. It is a sad departure for everyone at Orient for a man who played 210 times for them in six seasons. 26-year old keeper Sam Sargeant has also been released after being at Orient since 2015 amongst several loans. He only ever played 32 times but he was also there through thick and thin. The released lit also includes: Sonny Fish, Anthony Georgiou, Jordan Lyden, Harry Smith, Connor Wood and Matt Young. All of whom will move on with their careers and look to find success elsewhere.
Since the release of the retained list, midfielders Jordan Brown and captain Darren Pratley have both singed new contracts. Pratley a one-year deal and Brown a 2-year. These are big contract extensions for Orient as they search to bolster their midfield, alongside an attempt to bring back El-Mizouni. A whole host of players have also been offered contracts but the parameters are yet to be agreed, hence why it is still up in the air who will return for Orient's League One campaign before the transfer business commences. Among those that have been offered new contracts include a few vital players: Paul Smyth, Lawrence Vigoroux, Dan Happe, Omar Beckles. Only time will tell on whether these players will sign new contracts or choose to move on.
But it is still exciting times for the club nonetheless as they can look forward to a challenging season in League One upcoming. However, new signings will be essential if the O's are to stabilise and remain in the League.
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