Leyton Orient are shaking things up this offseason. The club has announced the release of Tom James and Jack Simpson, while offering a new contract to loyal defender Dan Happe. These moves come after a dramatic season that saw the O's narrowly escape relegation from League One—a far cry from their run to the play-off final just a year prior.

Dan Happe, 27, is the heart of the Orient defense and a true one-club man. Having spent his entire career at Brisbane Road, he's racked up an impressive 252 league appearances since his debut in 2017. For fans who love a player with deep roots, Happe represents the kind of loyalty that makes football special.

On the other hand, Tom James's time with the club has come to an end. The 30-year-old full-back joined in 2021 and made 191 appearances across all competitions, scoring 11 goals. He featured 37 times this season, but head coach Richie Wellens explained the tough decision. "Tom James has been a vital part of our success in the last five years. He is a brilliant person and I can't speak highly enough of him," Wellens told the club's website. However, the O's are now searching for a full-back with "different qualities" to take the team forward.

Jack Simpson, 29, who arrived on a free transfer from Cardiff City in 2024, also departs after 41 appearances this campaign. Joining them out the door are Tobi Oluwayemi, Makai Welch, and Diallang Jaiyesimi. There's a silver lining for Theo Archibald, who has triggered a one-year extension on his deal.

For Orient fans, this is a pivotal moment. After a season that Wellens himself described as one where "weak" players wasted a year of their careers, the squad is being reshaped with new energy and ambition. Whether you're cheering from the stands or gearing up in your favorite Orient kit, the next chapter promises to be one of reinvention.