Midfielder, who was voted Orient Outlook Podcast’s Player of the Year, was made to feel at home by O’s supporters from the start

East London Advertiser: Leyton Orient midfielder Michael Collins expresses his frustration against Wycombe Wanderers (pic: Simon O'Connor).Leyton Orient midfielder Michael Collins expresses his frustration against Wycombe Wanderers (pic: Simon O'Connor). (Image: Simon O'Connor Photography)

After bringing his time at Leyton Orient to an end last Friday, Michael Collins has insisted he would love a return to Brisbane Road one day.

The 31-year-old rejected the offer of a new deal from the O’s due to the continued uncertainty at the E10 club.

Collins announced his decision last Friday, but made his feelings for the east London outfit clear in a farewell interview.

He said: “One thing I will say and I know this is said a lot in football, but I would like to think further down the line that maybe I could return to Leyton Orient one day in some type of capacity.

“My feelings towards the club have been clear from day one. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and was made to feel at home from the minute I walked through the door.

“I thought the fans were brilliant with me personally and especially with all the stuff that went on last season.

“They were a credit to themselves and I hope for their sake that the club gets sorted and they can look towards a brighter future rather than staring into the bleak.”

Having only joined Orient in October, the commitment of Collins endeared him to the O’s faithful last season.

The midfielder battled on despite a back issue when the squad were still waiting for their wages in April.

Although he couldn’t do anything to prevent relegation to the National League, his efforts did not go unnoticed.

Collins was voted Orient Outlook Podcast’s Player of the Year, claiming 48 per cent of the 665 votes, to demonstrate his impact at Brisbane Road and he captained the club on the final day of the season at Blackpool.

The ex-Scunthorpe United skipper is set to move back up north, but is certain to keep an eye out for his old club, as they prepare for their first taste of life in the National League.

Although Collins has plenty of playing years left in him, a future return to O’s in a coaching capacity could occur in the future.

During his time at Brisbane Road, the midfielder offered his help to the academy and coached Orient’s under-16s on a number of occasions.

While for now he will spend time away from east London, a potential comeback at O’s cannot be ruled out in the coming years.