South African defender Justin Miller, released on a free transfer by Ipswich Town, has been snapped up by Third Division Leyton Orient and given a two-and-a-half-year contract.

South African defender Justin Miller, released on a free transfer by Ipswich Town, has been snapped up by Third Division Leyton Orient and given a two-and-a-half-year contract.

Miller, 22, captain of the Town reserve team who won their championship last season, spent three months on loan with Orient earlier in the season and impressed manager Paul Brush.

And though he returned to Ipswich with the aim of impressing manager Joe Royle he was released after only playing one reserve game.

Several league teams, including Bournemouth, Darlington and Carlisle were interested in the cultured defender who has dual British and South African nationality.

Miller told leytonorient.com: “Paul Brush made me feel wanted. There were others interested and I was weighing up my options and looking at all situations to see which one was the best.

“This isn't too far from where I live and I enjoyed my time here on loan. It's a good club and they want to go places.”

His 18 games for Orient earlier in the season had helped make up his mind, although he was disappointed to be released by Ipswich.

n Town reserves are at home to Fulham on Wednesday, kick off 7pm.