FORMER Brentford goalkeeper Stuart Nelson has signed for the O's on a two-year contract.

Nelson, a 25-year-old stopper, was allowed to leave the Bees at the end of last season and has now decided to make the journey across London to link up with the O's.

He missed a large part of the 2006/07 season through injury, but he was a virtual ever present as the Griffin Park club made it to the League One play-offs in the previous two campaigns.

O's boss Martin Ling declared himself pleased to have filled the space left by Glyn Garner's departure to Shrewsbury Town.

He said: "Stuart is a player I have watched on a number of occasions and I'm delighted to bring him to Brisbane Road.

"He was in scintillating form as Brentford reached the play-offs two years ago and there was talk of a move to a Championship level club, but unfortunately he missed a lot of last season with injury.

"It is no conincidence, however, that Brentford got most of their results when Stuart was in the team and he will prove to be an excellent addition to our squad.

"The fact that our goalkeeping coach Jim Stannard also works with Brentford gave me a bigger insight into his ability and character, and Stuart was always part of the contingency plan if Glyn Garner decided to leave.

"I'm pleased that he's decided to join the club and I'm also glad to get the goalkeeping position wrapped up with Stuart and Glenn Morris competing for the jersey."

Stroud-born Nelson started his career with Cirencester Town before being brought into the pro ranks by Millwall.

He left the Den without making a first team appearance and he played in the United States before returning to England with Oxford City.

Doncaster Rovers snapped him up in 2002, and following a short spell with Hucknall Town, he made his breakthrough with a move to Brentford in 2004.

He made 139 first team appearances for the Bees and was appointed club captain last term, and will now be hoping to continue his progress at Brisbane Road.

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