Leyton Orient sign Morris, while captain Beckles departs

Watford's James Morris during the Sky Bet Championship match at Vicarage Road, Watford. Picture date: Sunday December 15, 2024. <i>(Image: PA)</i>
Watford's James Morris during the Sky Bet Championship match at Vicarage Road, Watford. Picture date: Sunday December 15, 2024. (Image: PA)
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Leyton Orient have signed Watford left-back James Morris on a two-and-a-half-year contract, with an option for a further 12 months.

No transfer fee has been disclosed by the two clubs for the 24-year-old, who has only made three appearances for the Hornets this season.

Orient boss Richie Wellens expressed his delight in signing Morris saying: “We first tried to get him in the summer and, this month, we have had to wait for a couple of other things to take place before we could get the deal over the line.”

Morris began his career in the Southampton academy and joined Watford in 2021, with his first-team debut coming in an FA Cup tie at Leicester City in January 2022.

Leyton Orient also announced  club captain - and current Professional Footballers' Association chair - Omar Beckles has left the club by mutual agreement to join League Two side Gillingham.

The 34-year-old played more than 200 games for the club in all competitions and helped them win promotion from League Two in 2023.

Wellens added: "On field, his impact has been there for everyone to see since he joined us. Off the pitch, he is a thoughtful, measured and intelligent man who represents everything that Leyton Orient stands for," said a board statement.”

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