First-team captain has exercised option in his contract to leave club after relegation

Robbie Weir is understood to be the latest player to call time on his Leyton Orient career by exercising an option in his contract to leave the club after relegation.

The former Burton Albion favourite only joined the O’s last summer, signing a two-year contract with Andy Hessenthaler in charge.

But Weir struggled, suffering illness before the start of the campaign, yet battling on and as a result losing form and confidence.

A red card inside a minute against Plymouth Argyle in September setback the Orient first-team captain even further and things never recovered for the 28-year-old.

Weir remained a regular in the team throughout Alberto Cavasin’s reign at the club, but was eventually dropped by Andy Edwards in December.

The O’s skipper came on as a substitute against Exeter City on January 2, but suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage to his knee.

It was a sorry way for Weir’s season to end, but poignant in a way given the problems he encountered during his time at Brisbane Road.

Although the Northern Irishman struggled on the pitch, off it he tried his best to lead by example and showed his class by attending the funeral of O’s fan Frankie Bish in April.

Weir was one of many players signed last summer who appeared excellent signings on paper, but the off field issues at Brisbane Road made life difficult for everyone.

With the midfielder still working his way back from injury, it will be interesting to see where the former Orient first-team captain ends up.

Ex-York City youngster Weir informed the club of his decision to leave around the same time Michael Collins confirmed his departure.

Both are said to have left for the similar reasons – a lack of stability at Orient and no forward planning by current chairman Francesco Becchetti.

However, if the Italian was to leave, it may open the door for Weir to return to E10 unless he has another club lined up already.