Leyton Orient sign Oldham Athletic captain

2 July 2016

2 minute read

Leyton Orient have signed Liam Kelly from Oldham Athletic for an undisclosed fee as confirmed by the club website.

The 26-year-old midfielder, who was the Oldham club captain, was one of the stars for the Latics last season and his performances helped lead the club away from danger of being relegated to League 2. However he has decided to drop down into that league anyway by signing a three year deal with the club.

And last season’s Player of the Year for Oldham will have a tough task ahead of him now he is an O. The aim next season will be to try and get Leyton Orient promoted after a disappointing season where they ended up sacking two different managers and missed out on a play off spot.

Kelly had spent two seasons at Oldham and made 87 appearances during his time at Boundary Park. in the past he has also been called up to the Scotland squad.

After Kelly signing for Orient, their manager Andy Hessenthaler said: “He is an excellent player and we now have four central midfield players with the likes of Sammy Moore, Nigel Atangana and another new signing in Robbie Weir, so there is great competition for places and that should spur them all on.”

“Liam has played a lot of football last season for Oldham and we certainly did our homework on him and we are delighted to have him here. Liam is excited and sees where the club wants to go and he wants to be part of that.”

“He was their player of the season last term and that’s great. We are signing a League One player at a good age and if we can get to where we want to be with promotion this season, we have a ready made League One player at the club. I believe Gavin Massey won player of the year last season at Colchester as well so that just shows you where these players want to go and where they want to be. It is a pat on the back for everyone at this club to be able to get these calibre of players here.”

“Liam is a player the club have been looking at for some time and we are delighted to be able to add his qualities to the existing squad.”