Ben excited by new challenge

24 June 2009

NEW Orient signing Ben Chorley believes his experience can help the club push on next term.

The 26-year-old became Geraint Williams' second summer signing last week, when he put pen to paper on a two-year deal.

Chorley, who played a key role in Tranmere's promotion push last term said: "I know it's quite a young team here, so hopefully, I can bring a bit of experience.

"I try to talk and organise from the back and I can't wait to get stuck in."

Following the release of central defenders Alton Thelwell and Brian Saah at the end of last season and with Jordan Spence returning to West Ham following his loan spell at Brisbane Road, a centre half was high on Williams' summer shopping list.

Chorley fits the bill and looks set to form a formidable partnership with the highly-rated Tamika Mkandawire at the heart of the O's defence.

The defender, who was out of contract at Tranmere, was offered a new deal, but the prospect of a return to London was too great to resist.

The south Londoner jumped at the chance to return to the capital after spending two seasons on Merseyside.

"I'm delighted to have signed for Orient," he said.

"It's been a long six or seven weeks since the season ended, so I'm pleased to get my future sorted.

"There was quite a bit of interest in me and it seems as if I have spent the last few weeks on the phone, but the thing that really sold the club to me was the manager.

"It seems like a club on the up and everyone in the division noticed the improvement at Orient once the new manager came in.

"He really sold the club to me and it's good to be coming back down to London too.

"I've spent a few years out of the city and once I knew there was interest in me from London this summer, I was looking forward to coming back."

Chorley made 45 league appearances last season for Tranmere in one of the meanest backlines in the division and he is keen to transfer that solidity to Brisbane Road next term.

"Orient were fairly solid defensively last season and that helped when they were nicking games," added Chorley.

"I want to come in and be part of that. As a defender I want to keep clean sheets.

"We kept a lot at Tranmere last season, and if we can get close to that this year, it will be fantastic because we will be at the right end of the table.

"Pre-season is only just around the corner and I'm looking forward to meeting the boys and getting started again.