DANNY GRANVILLE is hoping to use the experience gained across the entire spectrum of English football to Orient's benefit this season.
The 33-year-old left-back, who joined the O's on a one-year contract with an option for a further year on Wednesday, has a UEFA Cup Winners' Cup medal to his name from his days at Chelsea.
But he also played in Leagues One and Two for Cambridge United at the start of his career, and that knowledge is sure to come in handy as Orient look to gain promotion to the Championship.
"I'm really pleased to have signed for Orient," Granville told leytonorient.com
"I met with the manager and liked what he had to say. The club is ambitious and they want to push on to the next level.
"I hope to bring my experience to the team. I've played in the Premier League and Championship, but I started off lower with Cambridge, so I know what football at this level is all about.
"I know it's a high-tempo league, and I've played against a few of the lads here in the past and I know they they are good players.
"Personally, I've filled in at different positions during my career, and hopefully that versatility can be an asset too, but I am primarily a left back."
Granville was on O's boss Martin Ling's list of transfer targets last term, but opted to stay in the Championship with Colchester.
He kept a keen eye on Orient's progress, however, and he was impressed with their early season form.
And now the Islington-born defender is certain that his new teammates can learn from that experience and mount a sustained promotion push this time around.
He continued: "Being a London lad, I'm obviously aware what goes on here and I've actually been keeping an eye on Orient for the last year because I spoke to the manager last summer.
"I do think there is a realistic chance of us gaining promotion this season. Last year they promised so much and started well, but then fell away.
"This time we've got to maintain the good form and see it through - speaking to the manager, I'm sure we can do that and it is an exciting time to be here.
"I'm looking forward to getting stuck in to pre-season. I need to work on my fitness because I had a few injuries last year, so that's going to be the aim in the summer and I'm sure I can have a good season.
"Orient is a good club and I'm looking forward to the new challenge here."
