Orient winger Archibald signs new contract

Theo Archibald has not played for Leyton Orient since injuring his knee in February 2024

Leyton Orient winger Theo Archibald has signed a contract with club until the end of the season, re-registering him as an O's player after a long injury lay-off.

The 27-year-old has not played a competitive game since February 2024 because of a long-standing knee injury.

There is an option to extend the deal by another season, based on Archibald reaching a certain number of appearances.

"The last 20 months or so have been really challenging for me. I have had some really dark moments and I am incredibly grateful for the network of people that I have around me, both inside and outside of the club," he told the club's website..

"Playing for this club again has always been, and remains, my aim. I never gave up hope of that during the tougher periods and I am now a step closer to it.

"There is still work for me to do before I can play for the first team again and I will be giving my maximum to everything that is asked of me."

Archibald first joined the O's on loan from Lincoln City in 2021 before making the move permanent the following summer.

He has made 117 appearances for the club, scoring five goals in 35 games during their League Two promotion-winning campaign of 2022-23.

"By signing a contract and being registered as a player for the club again, it will allow him to compete for our U21s side and in behind-closed-doors friendlies," director of football Martin Ling said.

"The next stage for him is to get some minutes for the U21s and in friendlies and then, all being well, he should be in contention to earn a place in our first-team squad."