According to reporter Pete O’Rourke, Leyton Orient defender Tom James is expected to sign a new contract with the team despite interest from other teams.
James, a defender, joined Leyton Orient in the summer of 2021 after leaving Hibernian on a free transfer.

Since then, he has been a pillar of support for Richie Wellens, making 48 appearances in all competitions to bring his total number of club appearances to 120. James has contributed nine goals and ten back-of-the-field assists along the road.

His current contract with the O’s expires this summer, therefore concerns have been raised about his future with the team.

However, it appears that Orient will soon make a breakthrough.

Reporter Pete O’Rourke of X believes that James, a player for Leyton Orient, is about to sign a new contract at Brisbane Road. It will also be a setback to some League One rivals, as Northampton Town, Stevenage, and Bristol Rovers are all interested in signing him.

The length of the new deal is unknown, but it should do a great deal to stifle interest in James this summer.

A key player to keep

James’ new Leyton Orient contract may or may not be finalised, but securing the Welsh defender’s future this summer will be a significant boost for Wellens and company.

Since joining, he has played a significant role in the O’s efforts to earn promotion from League Two and to establish himself as a regular starter as the team established itself in League One the previous season.

With James joining the team, the club will be able to solidify their position in the third division by reaching new heights in the upcoming season.

James has demonstrated his ability to contribute offensively when playing as a full-back or wing-back for Wellens’ team. He has operated wherever along the backline. He had four assists in the previous campaign and had previously had success at Yeovil Town and Wigan Athletic.

Fending off interest

Northampton Town, Bristol Rovers, and Stevenage will be disappointed by the good news for Leyton Orient.

Any one of those three teams would have found James to be a wise addition, but it appears they will need to look at other choices. With his mobility and well-rounded style, the O’s ace is a unique defender at this level and may not be the simplest man to find alternatives for.

Though James is certain to stay in the city, the League One trio still has plenty of time to bring in other options with less than a week left in the transfer window.

After his contract at Welling United expired, midfielder Antony Papadopoulos signed a two-year initial contract with Crawley Town Football Club.

Papadopoulos signed his first professional deal with the O’s in May 2021 after starting his career in their academy system with Leyton Orient. On September 14, 2021, the 21-year-old earned his senior debut for the London-based team against Southampton U21 at home in the EFL Trophy.

The midfielder gave the O’s a 1-0 victory by scoring the only goal of the match. After that, he played in two more EFL Trophy games, starting in a 4-0 triumph against Crawley during the competition’s group phase. Following his release from Leyton Orient, Papadopoulos joined Welling United of the National South. Antony made 41 appearances for the Wings in the 2023–24 season after making an impression in the 2022–23 campaign. He only missed five games the entire year and scored three goals.

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“I am delighted to get this deal over the line,” Papadopoulos stated after signing his new contract. It has been in the works for some time, so it feels amazing to finally close the deal, and I’m eager to get going. I had a lot of appearances last season and felt like I really came into my own. I have always wanted to return to the EFL, so I’m excited to be here as the club is going through a great period, and I can’t wait for the season to begin.

A “positive” offensive player who “wants to make things happen” is Harrogate Town’s first summer transfer window addition.

After being released by Championship team Queens Park Rangers, midfielder Stephen Duke-McKenna was signed by the League Two Sulphurites on a two-year contract on Monday night.

The 23-year-old Guyana international, who has 18 caps for his nation and made five appearances in England’s second division last season, is no stranger to League Two, having played for Leyton Orient, the 2022–2023 winners.

And according to Town’s head of recruitment, Lloyd Kerry, he will fit right in at Wetherby Road.

Kerry stated, “We’ve been searching for an attacking player, and Stephen checks all the boxes in terms of what he brings.”

He is a typical player for Harrogate Town; he is very skilled, energetic, and adaptable.

We’re eager to see what he can accomplish in a Town shirt because he is a positive player who possesses experience at this level and wants to make things happen.

We think he’s ready to settle in and get started, and we’re hoping that the fans will like him for his attributes and demeanour on the pitch.

After losing ten-goal winger Abraham Odoh to Peterborough United for an undisclosed six-figure price, Town sought to bolster their attacking lineup.

Duke-McKenna, who inherited Odoh’s shirt with the number nine, is also sure he can work with Simon Weaver.

The Liverpudlian stated, “I am really excited to get this deal done and have my future secured for next season.”

“I was eager to learn more when I initially heard about the interest, and after talking to the manager, I knew this was where I wanted to be. Things have moved along rather rapidly.

“I feel more confident after hearing the club’s plan for me. To be honest, after seeing a little of the team’s play, I can’t wait to get started.”

Duke-McKenna, who came through Everton’s development system, moved from Bolton Wanderers to QPR in 2019.

After spending time on loan in the National League South with Hemel Hempstead Town, he made his competitive debut with the Rangers in the 2020–21 season.

After that, he went on loans to Torquay United and Orient, although he started 2023–24 as a starter for QPR and played a lot of substitute games in the first few weeks of the season, including one start in the League Cup.

He started one more Championship game after going out of favour before going on loan to League Two Sutton in January.

He continued to play for the Amber & Chocolates for 16 games, finishing with two goals and two assists, but he was unable to prevent their relegation to the non-league.

Duke-McKenna has participated in 67 competitive games thus far in his career, scoring five goals and dishing out two assists.

He has mostly been used as a right winger, but he has also played full back, as a number 10, on the left side, and in centre midfield.