O's boss Ling happy to take JJ off the list

10:16am Tuesday 22nd July 2008

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ORIENT manager Martin Ling has revealed his reasons for taking JJ Melligan off the transfer list at Brisbane Road, writes Craig Rodhouse.

Ling put the 26-year-old on the list in May, but it seems that a strong pre-season for Melligan has convinced Ling to change his mind.

"JJ has come back to pre-season with the bit between his teeth and he's been looking like the player I signed last summer.

“When I spoke to a lot of people at the time they said I'd got a steal getting JJ on a free from Cheltenham, because he was really playing well at the time.

“And while I'm not saying last season was a complete right off for him, JJ will be the first to admit that he didn't perform anywhere near the levels he is capable of.

“He did have a few issues settling in the area, but it now seems that he has got his focus sorted and wants to stay at this football club.

“JJ still has two years left on his contract and hopefully we can start to see the best of him now.

“So he's coming off the transfer list now and I hope he can take the form he has been showing in training and so far in the pre-season matches into our League games."

Melligan signed for the O's last summer, after a number of impressive performances for Cheltenham and he managed 30 apperances and three goals last campaign for the east Londoners.