Leyton Orient should turn to National League hero if key departures happen: View | OneFootball

Former Leyton Orient defender Marvin Ekpiteta has been released by League One club Blackpool.

Barnsley and Peterborough United are reportedly interested in signing him, while there has not yet been talk of a return to Orient.

That is not to say that the O's are not keeping tabs on the 28-year-old, however, as they have a centre-back situation to resolve before next season.

Marvin Ekpiteta's career

Ekpiteta was part of Oxford United's academy for three years but failed to make the grade at senior level, ultimately leaving for non-league team Chelmsford City in 2014.

He spent two seasons at the Essex club before joining fellow National League South side Concord Rangers.

The defender only spent six months with the Beach Boys, though, as he left for East Thurrock United midway through the 2016-17 season.

Just over a year later, his time in England's sixth tier was over, making the step-up to Leyton Orient, who were mid-table in the National League.

And, in the following campaign, Ekpiteta was an integral part of Justin Edinburgh's side that lifted the title with 89 points.

He and Dan Happe formed an excellent partnership that saw the O's boast the league's best defensive record (35 goals conceded).

The 28-year-old also relished the opportunity to play in the Football League, making 27 appearances as the East London club comfortably avoided the drop.

With his contract up in the summer of 2020, he chose against staying at Orient, instead moving to Blackpool in the division above.

He achieved promotion in his debut season at Bloomfield Road, continuing his remarkable rise up the football pyramid.

Ekpiteta remained a key player for the Tangerines in the Championship, although he was not able to prevent their relegation two seasons ago.

And, despite playing 31 times in the campaign just gone, Blackpool decided that he is surplus to requirements in their pursuit of another promotion.

Leyton Orient should sign Ekpiteta if key departures happen

As it stands, Leyton Orient only have central defenders under contract: Omar Beckles and Brandon Cooper.

However, Richie Wellens' side have offered new deals to both Happe and Jack Simpson.

Happe has been at the club for the best part of a decade, and it would be a huge shame if he were to depart.

It would not come as a surprise to see Championship interest in him, though, so Orient could find it difficult to convince him to stay.

As for Simpson, he only arrived in February, on a short-term contract with a view to a longer deal.

One would expect him to show some loyalty to the O's, but there is no such thing as a guarantee in football.

Should either of them leave, it would be far from a disaster, as there are plenty of centre-backs on the market.