Orient boss Ling completes deal for Norwich hitman

1:34pm Wednesday 25th June 2008

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ORIENT boss Martin Ling moved a step closer to completing his squad for next season after agreeing a move for former loanee Ryan Jarvis from Norwich.

The 21-year-old, who scored six times in 14 appearances to help the O's avoid the drop from League One the season before last, has agreed a two-year deal with the east Londoners.

And a delighted Ling said: "I know the player very well and having tried to sign him permanently last time when he was with us and being quoted £250,000 I'm really happy to get him on a free.

"Of course we've had to put together a good package to get Ryan because there was interest from several other clubs including one in Denmark.

"But eventually I was able to convince the lad to come to us and I believe I can bring out the best in him.

"When he broke into the team at Norwich and was playing for England at youth level, there was a lot of talk that he was going to be the next big thing.

"But for whatever reason it never quiet happened for Ryan, although having seen at close quarters what he can do I know what ability he possesses."

And Ling, who had been reported to be tracking a big striker this summer is convinced that Jarvis can do what he is looking for.

"I know Ryan isn't massive, but he is six foot and a couple of inches taller than Adebayo Akinfenwa.

"When me and Dean Smith looked at it, a lot of the really big strikers were either too old or going to cost too much money.

"For example Grant Holt left Nottingham Forest for £170,000 and we just didn't have that in our budget.

"But I know Ryan has the ability to make the ball stick up there and also bring others into the game which is what I'm really looking for.

"The other advantage with him is that he is quick and can also give us the option of playing on the right side of midfield, so all in all I'm very happy with the product I'm fetching into the building."