Defender - Tamika Mkandawire
The Malawi born centre half joined the O's from Hereford during the close season after four seasons with United. The Bulls picked up 24 year old Tamika after his release by West Brom in 2003 and during his four seasons at Edger Street he made over 140 appearances and scored 14 goals. O's boss Martin Ling had been a long time admirer of Tamika and had a bid of £60k turned down in 2006. At the end of his contract however the defender joined Orient on a free. Tamika has already started to show O's fans why Ling wanted his services so badly with impressive defensive displays in a defense that has kept 4 clean sheets in the League and has scored 2 goals to date this season.
Midfield - JJ Melligan
Irishman John Melligan joined the O's from Cheltenham on a free during the close season. The winger with an eye for goal will be familiar to some Gills fans (certainly this one!) as he scored a screamer of a free kick against us in the 1-1 draw at Whaddon Road last season, and in the process putting a dampener on Truebluejock Jr's big day as mascot! After failing to establish himself at Wolves, Melligan moved to Kidderminster and Doncaster before landing at Whaddon Road in the 2004-05 season. Melligan made 135 appearances for the Robins over 3 seasons and scored 18 goals. He has already impressed the O's faithful and scored 2 goals in 10 appearances this season.
Striker - Adam Boyd
Boyd has a reputation as a prolific goalscorer at this level from his time at Hartlepool United. In 144 league appearances for 'Pool he scored an impressive 53 goals propelling his home town club from League 2 to League 1 in the 2005-06 seaon. His exploits had not gone unnoticed and Luton Town splashed out £500k to take him to Kenilworth Road. Surprisingly his career stalled and he managed to score only 2 goals in 24 appearances (15 as sub) for the Hatters. After having his contract terminated by mutual consent at the end of the season, Martin Ling moved quickly to snap up the 25 year old striker and Boyd hit the ground running with an impressive pre season, including a spectacular strike against Tottenham. He has carried this form over into the season and has already 5 goals in 10 appearances (2 as a sub) and could have had another but for a missed penalty.