BEN CHORLEY cited the ambition of O's boss Geraint Williams as one of the major reasons behind his decision to leave Tranmere Rovers and sign for the Brisbane Road club.
Chorley, a 26-year-old south Londoner, spent the last two years with Tranmere as the Merseysiders secured back-to-back top half finishes in League 1 and just missed out on last year's play-offs.
But once the opportunity to move back to his home city arose this summer, he was only too happy to swap Prenton Park for E10 and join Williams' revolution.
He said: "I'm delighted to have signed for Leyton Orient.
"It has been a long six or seven weeks since the season ended so I'm pleased to get my future sorted and give my services to Orient.
"There was quite a bit of interest in me, and it seems as if I've spent most of the last few weeks on the phone, but the thing that really sold the club to me was the manager.
"It seems like a club on the up and everyone in the division noticed the improvement at Orient once the new manager came in halfway through last season.
"He really sold the club to me and it's good to be coming back down to London too. I've spent a few years out of the city, but I'm from just the other side of the water and once I knew there was interest in me from London this summer, I was looking forward to coming back.
"Leyton Orient was one of those clubs to show an interest and I'm looking forward to helping them to push on next season."
Chorley was a regular starter in one of the division's meanest back lines last term and he wants to help bring that solidity to E10.
He continued: "Orient were fairly solid defensively last season and that helped when they were nicking games 1-0 and 2-1 towards the end of the year.
"I want to come in and be a part of that. As a defender I want to keep clean sheets - we kept a lot at Tranmere last season, and if we can get close to that total this year it will be fantastic because we will be at the right end of the table.
"I know it's quite a young team here, so hopefully I can bring a bit of experience to us. I try to talk and organise from the back and I can't wait to get stuck in here.
"Pre-season is only just around the corner, and although no-one likes the running, I'm looking forward to meeting the boys and getting it started."
Ben's kit is available for sponsorship. Ring Chris Pope on 0871 310 1886 or contact the club via email for details.
