Former Derby County winger seals transfer as club confirms deal

Springett, who spent time on loan at Derby in the 2022/23 season, was released by Norwich at the end of this campaign, ending a long association with the Canaries.

But Orient have swooped to sign the winger on a two-year deal as they look for a much-improved season in League One next term.

Speaking about the move, Springett said: "I’m delighted to have joined the club. The management team have set their standards for the season, and they all want a big improvement on the previous campaign.

“The mindset of a club is one of the most important factors when looking to push on and, after speaking to the gaffer, I believe the club are heading in the right direction, and I can’t wait to get started.

“I've gone from being somewhere my whole life, finally getting a feeling where I need to break free from that, and I've ended up here.

“If you ask any kid when they first start playing football, what's their dream? It's probably to say you spent your whole youth days going through the same club and breaking through into the first team.

“I can always be forever thankful for that at Norwich. But of course, there always comes a point where you've got to move on and try something new.

"The first thing I was looking for when trying to find a new club was, 'Where's a place that's going to make me feel at home?' After speaking to the gaffer, I'm pretty sure my decision was just made straight away.”

Springett made 11 appearances for Derby after arriving on loan from Norwich in January 2023 but the club fell short of making the play-offs in League One just a few months later.

But he did have a big hand in the 2-1 win at Port Vale as Derby came from behind to score twice in the final two minutes.

Orient boss Richie Wellens said: "Tony’s a young player and he's had a good experience at Norwich. He’s full of energy and will suit the style of play that we want to execute. He's got the right attributes; pace, power, brilliant stamina and he's prepared to run.

“He can press with real intensity and we're going to give him a massive start up in his career.”

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