Southend-based full-back Matthew Lockwood has signed a new two-year contract with Leyton Orient.

The 25-year-old was transfer-listed in January after rejecting a new deal. But he has decided to stay at Brisbane Road after manager Paul Brush convinced him Orient were going places next season.

Lockwood said: "I've spoken to Brushy and the signings he wants to make sounded positive.

"We're not far off having a good squad that can challenge for promotion -- on paper we're getting there and I think we'll be up there next season."

Lockwood missed his chance of a move to Millwall last season and had a trial with Sheffield Wednesday last month.

Published Wednesday, March 20, 2002