Leyton Orient’s Pratley signs new deal as lists revealed

The experienced midfielder has worn the captain’s armband since joining two years ago and made 85 appearances, helping the club to the League Two title this season.

The club triggered a contract extension to keep Pratley at Brisbane Road for their return to League One in 2023-24 and he admitted he was more than happy to stay.

“I’m delighted to be staying here at the club, especially after the season we just had in League Two. It’s a chance to go up to the next level, and have another good season,” he told the club website.

“I’m not delusional and think that I’m going to play on forever, but I still feel fit and have played the majority of the games this season. I still feel good and my former teammates who are coaching now keep telling me to carry on playing.

“I’m already looking forward to coming back next season. Hopefully fans and players can enjoy the off-season and we’re hoping the fans will come back next season and push us over the line as they did last season.”

Director of football Martin Ling paid tribute to Pratley, adding: “Everything we look at with Darren stats-wise is phenomenal.

“He runs the most in training, and the gaffer [Richie Wellens] asks if he wants days off, but he won’t take them. He’s a model professional and he is worth his weight in gold for us.

“We thought he may play less than what he did last season, but he continues to surpass our expectations. He is our leader in the dressing room and he is so humble, and someone all the players respect massively.”

O’s have also announced their list of retained and released players, with Craig Clay among those departing the club.

Clay has featured 239 times and, along with goalkeeper Sam Sargeant, is part of a select group of players to win two league titles with O’s.

Ling added: “It’s always a difficult time of the year, and it proves to be even more difficult after a successful season.

“Everyone has been involved and played a part in the end goal. In Sam Sargeant and Craig Clay we have two incredible servants to the club that we will say goodbye to.

“Craig was one of the first signings in the rebuild and has been outstanding, including winning player of the season when we went up, so it shows you the importance of his contribution.

“Whilst Sam hasn’t had as much pitch time, you just need to listen to what people say about him, his value as a number two goalkeeper who keeps his spirits up and drives those on around him is crucial.

“We thank them and everyone departing the club this summer for their contribution in an O’s shirt, and wish them well in the future.”

Sonny Fish, Anthony Georgiou, Jordan Lyden, Harry Smith, Connor Wood and Matt Young are also released, while loan deals for Stephen Duke-McKenna, Idris El Mizouni, Charlie Kelman, Jamie McCart, Kieran Sadlier and Ed Turns have expired.

Players remaining under contract include Theo Archibald, Aaron Drinan, Rob Hunt, Tom James, Ethan Light, George Moncur, Zech Obiero, Shadrach Ogie, Ruel Sotiriou, Jephte Tanga and Adam Thompson, while new deals have been offered to Omar Beckles, Jordan Brown, Rhys Byrne, Dan Happe, Paul Smyth, Harrison Sodje, Jayden Sweeney, Lawrence Vigouroux and Daniel Nkrumah.