The O’s transfer dealings since January 1 appear to be with the future in mind and that can only help the club going forward

For the first time in a long, long while there appears a clear plan and philosophy at Leyton Orient when it comes to signings.

Despite the January transfer window shutting two weeks ago, the O’s have not stopped planning for the future.

Last Wednesday (February 7) Orient announced the surprise capture of Sam Ling from local rivals Dagenham & Redbridge for an undisclosed fee.

The 21-year-old has returned to Brisbane Road after 18 months away having progressed through the academy set-up at E10 before he was released in June 2016.

Ling, the son of O’s director of football Martin, has since established himself as one of the best right-backs in the National League and has attracted interest from clubs in the Football League.

Orient have convinced him to rejoin them though, and it is another piece of the jigsaw for boss Justin Edinburgh, who is building a squad to challenge for promotion next season.

In January the O’s signed three players on permanent deals and another three on loan with two of them out of contract this summer.

Previous loanees Josh Coulson and James Brophy were tied down to Orient for the long-term with both likely to play a big part next season and of course this term.

Marvin Ekpiteta was poached from East Thurrock United and aged 22, he is another brought in with a bigger picture in mind.

Ekpiteta has a pro contract at the O’s until the summer of 2020, but has for now rejoined the Rocks on loan until the summer while training at Orient in the week.

Meanwhile the loan signings of Dan Holman and Ebou Adams do essentially appear to be trials for both players.

Holman is out of contract with Cheltenham Town this summer and Adams is in a similar boat with Norwich City, but both have caught the eye since moving and there is no doubt Edinburgh will be keen to sign them permanently.

And only this week, on Monday, O’s announced the signing of left-back Nathan Mavila on a deal until the end of the campaign.

The 22-year-old has impressed with Wingate & Finchley in the Bostik Premier and this again is Orient, Edinburgh and Ling planning for the future.

If Mavila excels, he will earn a long-term contract and if he doesn’t, he will leave, but it is refreshing to see a philosophy in place.

O’s are already planning for next season and that is a welcome change compared to the dealings of the past three-and-a-half years.

Fingers crossed, this gives them a head start on a number of rival National League clubs and it can be key come the conclusion of the 2018/19 campaign.