Former Norwich City and Fulham defender Elliot Omozusi rejoins Leyton Orient after release from prison
12:10pm Monday 21st January 2013 in Latest Football News By Simon Mail
Russell Slade has decided to bring Elliott Omozusi back to Brisbane Road: Action Images
Leyton Orient have re-signed defender Elliot Omozusi until the end of the season following his release from prison.
The 24-year-old was sacked by the club after being jailed in November 2011 for witness intimidation in a murder trial.
But the former Fulham and Norwich defender, who has been training with Russell Slade's side since his release in the autumn, has now agreed to rejoin Orient.
Omozusi played 52 games for the League One club between 2010-11 which featured their run to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Orient chief executive Matt Porter said: "Elliot made a mistake and has paid his debt to society - he deserves a second chance.
“It's up to him to continue along the right road now and embrace this opportunity.”
Omozusi said: “I’m grateful to Leyton Orient for this opportunity given to me.
“I want to make the most of this second chance and I’m looking forward to helping the team over the rest of the season.”
ColinOrient says...
6:54pm Mon 21 Jan 13
lf and at worst a player most fans were glad to see the back of, putting in some alarmingly inept displays in either position. Secondly, witness intimidation is a pretty nasty gang-related crime and I have to disagree with Mssrs Porter and Slade that this player has served his 'debt to society' and cannot see that bringing him back either gives the football club a good name or adds absolutely anything to our decent line of defenders. When Andrew Whing relaced him some time back I thought that was an ace signing by Slade but sadly soon after Whing left for Oxford. As a loyal supporter of over 40 years I feel disappointed by this decision and in a season that may see a Wembley final appearance I cannot agree with the idea of bringing him back to the club.