Leyton Orient release EIGHT players including former Premier League star, 40, after play-off final heartbreak
FORMER Premier League star Darren Pratley has been released by Leyton Orient aged 40.
The midfielder had been a stalwart in Richie Wellens' side for the last four years, helping them reach the
League One
play-offs where they lost in the final to Charlton.
2
Darren Pratley has been released by Leyton Orient
Credit: Getty
2
Josh Keeley and Jamie Donley have returned to parent club Spurs after their loans expired
Credit: Getty
He turned 40 in April and the club paid tribute to his career, and his contribution to Orient's League Two title win in 2023.
Pratley played in the Premier League for Bolton and he made 202 appearances for the Trotters.
His best years came at Swansea where he won promotion to the Prem via the play-offs in 2011 - he also won League One with the Swans in 2008.
Pratley helped Bolton win promotion from the third tier in 2017, and repeated that feat two years later with Charlton.
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Jayden Sweeney, Joe Pigott, Sam Howes, Rhys Byrne, Reon Smith-Kouassi and Thomas Avgoustidis have also been released.
While five players have left the club upon the expiration of their loan deals - Tottenham pair Jamie Donley and Josh Keeley, Dillan Markanday, Jack Currie and 27-goal
striker
Charlie Kelman.
Two more players, Theo Archibald and Jordan Graham, will continue at the club on an out of contract basis as they continue their rehabilitation on long-term ACL injuries.
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Manager Richie Wellens said: 'Each and every one of my players gave me absolutely everything this season, and they have all been a pleasure to work with.
'This group has been special – one of the best I have ever worked with as a player or manager – and that makes these decisions even tougher.
EFL club release 'gorgeous work of art' kit and even rival fans want to buy it
'This
summer
, we will say goodbye to some players who have been with us for a long time, and I can only thank them for their service to our
football
club. They have played a huge role in our climb up the ladder, and I wish them all the very best for the
future
.
'Jordan Graham and Theo Archibald put their bodies on the line for us and we will continue to support them throughout their recovery from injury by having them around the training ground.
'I'm looking forward to seeing them both back playing again, be that with us or someone else.'
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