Experienced midfielder reflects on decision to leave O’s after initially hoping he could extend his stay at Brisbane Road

Michael Collins has explained how he hoped to stay at Leyton Orient, but could not wait any longer for the club to put a plan in place for the future.

The 31-year-old revealed last month he was considering his options after being offered a new one-year deal by the O’s.

But after making 31 appearances for Orient during the 2016/17 campaign, Collins will move on with the ex-Scunthorpe United captain none the wiser about the plans of the east London club going forward.

He said: “I sat down with my partner at the end of the season and we discussed what our thoughts were for the upcoming season and whether we would be prepared to stay at Leyton Orient if things got sorted out and a plan was put in place.

“That discussion was positive and my partner said she would be willing to come down and for us to both relocate to the area.

“The problems for me were that a one-year deal doesn’t make it a secure proposition, but more importantly we have been waiting and waiting to see what happens with the club.

“At the moment there is too much uncertainty and during that time other opportunities have been presented to me and one of them I don’t feel I can turn down at this moment in time.

“It is a great opportunity for me and really good for my family because it gets me back home and that is a long story in short really – that is how it has been.

“It was a difficult decision to leave Orient and I was considering staying, but given the circumstances the club find itself in at the moment I am not prepared to commit to something where I don’t see a plan yet.

“The uncertainty that is around, I don’t think anybody knows what is happening and with the opportunities on the table, I have decided to take one that excites me and that is unfortunately where I stand.”

Collins went on to discuss the connection he developed with the Orient supporters and again reiterated his hope that the club can bounce back from relegation.

The midfielder, who moved to Brisbane Road in October, explained he was prepared to relocate to east London had a sustainable plan been put in place at O’s.

“Staying at Leyton Orient was discussed with my family and I had the backing of my partner for us to potentially move down and relocate around the area,” said Collins.

“Last season was quite difficult because my family stayed up north and I was doing a lot of commuting and going back and forth and not seeing them.

“Credit to my family because they were prepared to back me if I decided to stay at Orient, but essentially we just ran out of time.

“I was waiting and waiting, but during that time an opportunity was put to me and it really excites me. It ticked both boxes of what I wanted this summer.

“Firstly I knew I would get full fulfilment from it and I knew it would please my family, so this opportunity will allow me to do that.

“It is just unfortunate (I have to leave Orient) and I don’t lie. I made it quite clear how much of a connection I made with the club and the fans.

“It is disappointing it will come to an end, but it is important the club rebuilds, gets sorted and whoever is in charge is allowed to put a plan in place and rebuild because it is a massive club.”