DEFENDER Jack Simpson is determined to repay the faith shown in him by Leyton Orient.

Orient last season took Weymouth-born Simpson on board for five games of the Sky Bet League One season.

The East Londoners offered Simpson a route back into the game after admitting using racist language while on pre-season duty with former club Cardiff in summer 2023.

Simpson left the Bluebirds and was handed a six-game ban, plus an £8,000 fine.

However, Orient offered former AFC Bournemouth talent Simpson a one-year deal to remain at E10 for the 2024/25 season.

Simpson has shown his character by working with the Leyton Orient Trust and spending time on local community visits.

And the centre-back is keen prove his worth following his recent troubles, saying he feels “part of the club”.

He told Orient’s media team: “I had my end-of-season meeting with the manager (Richie Wellens) and in my mind I had already decided that, if the club were going to offer me something, I wanted to sign.

“I have really enjoyed my three months here so far – it has been an incredible experience in so many different ways – and I felt like I became part of the club and its community straight away.

“I’ve had to show who I am as a person and getting out in the local area felt special and it helped me learn what this club is all about.

“I’m really grateful to the club for showing faith in me and next season we want to improve on how we did this year. League One is going to be tougher and we just want to make sure that we can show we are moving in the right direction.”

Wellens added: “I’m really pleased that we’ll have Jack with us next season.

“He’d had a difficult time before joining us – which he took full responsibility for – but since his arrival he has shown who the real Jack Simpson is.

“It was important for us that Jack got to know our local community and he has been more than happy to take part in a number of visits, all of which I know he has enjoyed.

“On the pitch, he is a very good defender and in his five appearances I think our fans began to see how good he is defensively and on the ball.

“He is a good character around the training ground and will be an important part of our squad next season.”