Scottish defenders bids farewell to Brisbane Road but is staying in League Two

Scott Cuthbert has become the first player from Leyton Orient’s 2014/15 campaign to officially leave the club after Luton Town confirmed the defender has agreed to join them today and signed a two-year deal.

The 27-year-old has been with O’s since the summer of 2011 but was told earlier this month that he would not be offered a new contract.

Although that was believed to be because a new manager wasn’t in place, the Scotsman has decided he isn’t going to wait around for Fabio Liverani’s replacement to be confirmed.

He has agreed a deal with the Hatters and will return to Brisbane Road next season when they face Orient in League Two.

The former Swindon Town defender made 160 appearances for O’s but will link up with former Dagenham & Redbridge boss John Still at Kenilworth Road.

Cuthbert was one of 12 players not offered new deals alongside the likes of top goalscorer Chris Dagnall, David Mooney, defenders Elliot Omozusi and Gary Sawyer and midfielders Josh Wright and Marvin Bartley.

However with a new Orient boss expected to be appointed soon, they could all receive deals if the new man in charge wants to keep them.

The departure of Cuthbert will be a warning sign to O’s, though, because if they don’t act fast the remaining 11 players out of contract may find themselves new clubs too.