MATT LOCKWOOD admitted that moving to Nottingham Forest after nine years at the O's was the most difficult decision of his life.

The 30-year-old left back had only recently signed a new two-year contract at Brisbane Road, but he has now opted to test himself with the two-time European Champions.

He said: "The move was first talked about at the weekend and I haven't slept or eaten well since.

"I spent nine great years at Orient and signed a new deal just last month, so this was the most difficult decision I've had to make in my career.

"There was the fact that I was going to be due a testimonial next summer to consider, and I also wanted to break the club's appearance record, but after weighing it all up, I felt that this was too good an opportunity to turn down.

"Nottingham Forest are the biggest club in this league and they will, of course, be red hot favourites to win the title this season.

"They need to be back in the Championship and they'll have a great chance of getting there with the signings they've made or will make this summer.

"Forest have the financial power to get almost whoever they want and it's great to be able to say I now play for a club of that stature."

Lockwood played an integral role in pushing the O's forward during his time with the club and he says that he will leave with many happy memories.

"Orient has obviously been a big part of my life and in many ways it feels like my club, so of course it is sad to leave.

"I'll take many great memories with me, with the highlight of winning promotion two years ago.

"But there were also games at Wembley and the Millennium Stadium, as well as cup ties against Newcastle, Spurs, Everton, Fulham and Charlton to look back on.

"And then there's the goals I scored, so I can't stress enough how much I enjoyed my time with the O's.

"I'll look forward to popping back in soon and saying goodbye to the lads, and it will certainly be strange when we play against Orient on January 12 - I'll probably be looking to pass to Adam Chambers!"

And Lockwood is sure that O's boss Martin Ling will bring in the players for the east Londoners to be a force in League One next term.

He added: "Obviously this has been a time of massive upheaval for the club, with the six who were released, the five who rejected their contract offers and now me leaving as well.

"But the gaffer has already made some good signings and I'm sure there will be more to follow, so I'm sure that Orient will have a good season next year.

"Their result will be the first I look for every week and I want to thank the fans for all the support they've given me over the years."