It has been a tough and emotional week for Orient fans who have bid farewell to two of their most influential and impactful players from their title success last season. Keeper Lawrence Vigoroux has signed for Burnley for their Premier League return, whilst Paul Smyth has re-joined QPR following the expiration of his 2-year loan. This may prove heavily consequential for the O's as these two proved to be essential to Orient's league winning campaign and it will be extremely difficult to replace them.
The Chilean shot-stopper has won player of the season three times in a row for Leyton Orient which does not even begin to summarise his performances on the pitch. Since 20/21, 'Vigs' has kept the most clean sheets in the whole 92 with 56. A staggering figure, and six more than City's Ederson. Man City have won the Premier League three years running in that time span which validates how impressive Vigoroux's resume has been. Lawrence spent three years in E10 and made 152 appearances, 150 of which were consecutive, but he now joins Vincent Kompany's side in Lancaster after their 101 point tally last season ascended them immediately back into the premier league.
There is no doubt that Paul Smyth is a special player. His two-year stay in East London had a few ups and downs, but this past campaign was a true showcase of his amazing ability when on the ball. At just 5ft 9, the 25-year old from Northern Ireland was a master of close control and agility. His capability to ease past defenders like they weren't there was unmatched in League Two and it was demonstrated time and time again during his stay. His first season of two was marred by a collapsed lung and a couple other injuries which meant he was not at his best. But there were still glimmers of what he could do when fit. And when fit for the vast majority of the previous season, he showed everyone how good of a player he was - and scored some truly remarkable goals along the way. He was Orient's top scorer with just ten goals but at least half of them were goal of the season contenders. His solo goal against Salford, the overhead kick against Doncaster and the long rage screamer away at Sutton all spring to mind.
Both players will be sorely missed by Orient as they prepare for league One football in August and the board will do well to replace the pair, considering the qualities and well roundedness that they brought o the dressing room, as well as the pitch.