Leyton Orient release James and offer Happe new deal

Dan Happe has spent his entire career with Leyton Orient and has been offered a new contract by the club [Shutterstock]

Leyton Orient have released Tom James and Jack Simpson while offering Dan Happe a new contract.

The O's narrowly avoided relegation this season having reached the League One play-off final in 2024-25.

Defender Happe, 27, has spent his whole career with the club, making 252 league appearances since his debut in 2017.

James, 30, moved to Brisbane Road in 2021 and has played 191 times in all competitions, scoring 11 goals.

He made 37 appearances this season but head coach Richie Wellens said the O's were now looking for a type of full-back with "different qualities".

"Tom James has been a vital part of our success in the last five years. He is a brilliant person and I can't speak highly enough of him," Wellens told the club's website.

Simpson, 29, joined on a free transfer from Cardiff City in 2024 and played 41 times this season.

Tobi Oluwayemi, Makai Welch and Diallang Jaiyesimi have also been released, while Theo Archibald has triggered a one-year extension to his deal.

• 'Weak' Orient players wasted year of career - Wellens