Andy Harris and John Martin were this week left shell-shocked when they were dealt the devastating news that they are surplus to requirements at Orient.

The pair will be joining the hundreds of other out of contract players searching for a new club this summer after being told their existing deals will no be renewed as Paul Brush continued his reshuffling of the deck at Brisbane Road.

However, fellow midfielder Scot Canham admitted that he was less than surprised that he became the last of the out of contract players to be released, with the news that Matthew Joseph, Kevin Stephens and Boniek Forbes have all been offered new terms.

A sombre Harris, 26, who had been a mainstay in the side over the last three years and was made club captain in February, this week said: "It came as a total surprise, because I had just been made skipper and while the team hasn't done that well I felt my performance and continued commitment to the side would have been enough for me to have got a new deal.

"But I am not bitter towards the manager because I understand he has got to make a decision whether I agree with that is another thing.

"I understand that the club has financial constraints now, but they have brought in players very recently, all of whom are on good wages.

"I honestly thought I would be at the club for at least another couple of seasons and was really looking to establish myself as a good captain."

It was a similar story for 21 year-old Martin, as he explained: "It will be very tough to leave Orient because I have been here since I was 11. I didn't expect to be released and it was a complete shock because I've been involved in the squad for all but one game this season.

"I have had a good rapport with the fans over the years and after being with the club for so long it is going to feel strange not being here next season."

One man though, who remains unfazed by his axing is Canham after his impress form recently on loan at Woking, where he helped keep the Cards in the Conference has led to interest from new clubs.

Talking on Monday the 28-year-old midfielder said: "I had read between the lines that I probably wasn't going to get my contract renewed, so I went out on loan and did really well which has already led to a few offers for next season.

"It is a worrying time because you only have to look at a quality player like Jeff Minton, who has been playing in the Ryman League this season with Canvey, because I know there are players in the Third Division that couldn't lace his boots."

Revealing the tough decision not to retain the trio, Brush said: "Squad sizes are shrinking across the league and if we are to bring in some fresh faces we could not retain everyone.

"These three players have outstanding attitudes in training and have been reliable and responsible members of the side. They have been a pleasure to work with and I'm sure they will be successful in finding new opportunities elsewhere."

May 1, 2003 10:30