Former Charlton man Darren Pratley reveals the big draw in choosing Leyton Orient as his next club

Darren Pratley has admitted working again with Kenny Jackett was a key factor in him signing for Leyton Orient.

The 36-year-old midfielder, released by Charlton at the end of last season, became the O’s first incoming deal since former Millwall boss Jackett took charge.

“Kenny signed me 15 years ago at Swansea, when I was 21 and had just left Fulham,” said Pratley, who has also been confirmed as the east London club’s new captain.

“I spoke to Kenny when he first came here. He said he’d like to bring me here, and from then on it was a no-brainer. It’s a big club in this division and it is something I want to be a part of.

“The club came 10th or 11th last year. I think the aim will be to try and get in those play-offs.

“It’s a massive honour to be made captain. I’ll give my all and make the Leyton Orient fans proud.

“I want to be the best team-mate I can be. There’s no point me trying to be an individual. There will be ups and downs, like there always is in football, but I want to be someone my team-mates can rely on.”

Pratley played 111 times for Charlton after arriving on a free transfer following his release by Bolton Wanderers.

“I didn’t want to leave,” he told Orient’s official website. “This is a new challenge for me.

“This is my club now. I want to have a good time and hopefully a positive season.”