IT WAS a case of persistence paying off for Orient manager Martin Ling when he finally captured Hereford defender Tamika Mkandawire on a three-year-contract this week - 12 months after his initial attempt to bring him to E10.

The O's boss had a £60,000 bid for the Malawi-born centre-half turned down last summer, but he continued to monitor his progress and Mkandawire says that his new manager's continued interest was a major part of his decision to move to Brisbane Road.

He said: "It's always nice to know that a team wants you and the fact that Orient were still interested a year on from their initial bid was certainly a big factor in me signing.

"Moving to London is an attraction but it was a football decision for me. It wouldn't have mattered where the team I was going to was as long as it was right for me.

"I was impressed by what Martin Ling and Dean Smith had to say to me and that's the main reason why I'm here now."

Former West Brom man Mkandawire has been on a steady upward curve over the past three seasons, having led Hereford to promotion from the Conference and then helping them to settle in League Two.

And now, having made the step up to League One, the central defender is sure he will be able to take it in his stride.

"I'm very excited at the prospect of playing in a higher league," he continued. "That's what I wanted when I decided to leave Hereford, so I'm pleased that the opportunity to do that has come about with Orient.

"It will be a challenge, but I believe that I can play at this level and I'm looking forward to testing myself against better players.

"No disrespect to Hereford, but in some respects you can stay in places for too long. I felt it was time to move on because I'm at a good age to step up to a bigger club."

Mkandawire has signed a three-year deal at Brisbane Road, and he is hoping to help make the O's a force at League One level over that time as the east Londoners begin to look upwards.

He continued: "At Hereford I had been on one-year contracts so signing a three-year deal here is a relief. It obviously gives you more security and very I'm happy with that.

"I was captain at Hereford and I hope to bring my leadership qualities to Orient now, as well as everything else in my game.

"Hopefully that will help to improve the team, along with all the other players that will be coming in this summer.

"I'm no different to any other player in that I want to play at as high a level as I can.

"I know the manager wants us to be making a push for the Championship in the next couple of years so hopefully that can come with Orient. I'm looking forward to the challenge."