CLUB captain Alton Thelwell has committed himself to the O's for another year after putting pen-to-paper on a new contract.

The 27-year-old former Tottenham Hotspur defender played 32 games last season, despite being plagued by a knee injury for most of the campaign, and he will be hoping for an injury-free 2008/09.

He recently underwent surgery on his troublesome knee and is expected to be fully-fit for the start of pre-season.

Thelwell signed for Orient, initially on loan, from Hull City in October 2006, making the move permament three months later for a £25,000 fee.

O's manager Martin Ling said: "I'm very pleased that Alton has signed his new contract.

"He has been a big part of our team for the past 18 months, and the fact that he played through the pain barrier for a large part of last season shows the kind of character that he is.

"The centre-half department is one I am very happy with, and Alton signing is another part of the 22-piece jigsaw in place.

"His knee operation went well and he will be A-OK for the start of pre-season."