Leyton Orient’s Omar Beckles so happy at local club

Leytonstone-born Beckles has made a big impact since joining the Brisbane Road ranks in June 2021, with nine goals in 93 appearances from centre-back.

As well as helping Richie Wellens’ side to the League Two title last season, Beckles has spent hours working on various projects in the local community.

And he admits it feels great to be home in east London, telling the club website: “I wanted to continue my journey here, I’ve really enjoyed being home with Orient being my local team.

“I’m really excited to be a part of what we are doing here, and the club has got so much potential, and I’m happy to be a part of it and do as much as I can for the club.

“Leyton Orient is always a club that I wanted to come to being a local lad, but now I’m here, I can even see myself ending my career here. I’ll always do my best to drive this club in the right direction.

“Last year was such a special season that will live long in the memory for all of us. Every day coming into training there was an excitement coming through the door, and we have a really special group here. 

“The bond and connection we have in this group will last a lifetime, but we want to build on that this coming season.”

Goalkeeper Rhys Byrne, 20, has also signed a new two-year deal with O’s after enjoying a loan spell at Canvey Island last season.

Byrne has played four times for the club in the Papa John’s Trophy and said: “I’m really excited to sign a new deal. The club has been really good to me, and off the back of last season, we’re looking forward to seeing what we can do.

“I’ve never realised how big team spirit can be until last season. You can have all the best players, but if you don’t have the team spirit to match, you won’t perform as well as you can.

“I just want to help the side, and I want game time myself. I had a taste for it last season and it has made me more hungry than ever.”

Promising defender Harrison Sodje, 19, is also looking to make progress after signing a one-year deal after loan spells at Heybridge and Cray.

“I’m buzzing, I joined at U16 level so this is my fourth year, so I was delighted to sign the extension,” Sodje told the club website.

“I’ve learned about the professionalism needed from being around the team, how to prepare in the best way possible.”

“Last season I didn’t lose a league game, but also managed to play in different positions and continue my development, so I’m thankful for the experiences.”