ORIENT striker Jabo Ibehre came within minutes of leaving Brisbane Road last week, after filing a transfer request before reversing his decision, writes Ross Davies. Ibehre asked for a move after manager Martin Ling left him out of the side at the start of the season.

The club accepted a fee of £100,000 from both League One outfit Brighton and League Two Wycombe Wanderers, for the 23-year-old. But Ibehre pulled out late on Thursday, citing the best place for his future development was with the the O's.

Ibehre told the Guardian: "After listening to both clubs I decided I was far better off staying with Orient. It was nice to see that other clubs were interested in me, but I love this club. I'm an Orient player and always have been. I have a good relationship with the manager and the staff and I'm very happy to be staying."

O's boss Martin Ling was equally relieved the situation was resolved.

He said: "I'm delighted Jabo has decided to stay with us.

"The offers we received were acceptable for a player of Jabo's quality and we had some quality players lined up in case he did leave, but I never wanted him to go.

"I thought his request to be put on the transfer list was a hasty decision, but I'm glad he decided his best career path was with us, and I'm sure he'll prove be an important part of the squad this season."

Ibehre has made four appearances from the bench this season and is yet to get his first goal of the campaign.

After finishing last year as the club's joint top scorer, the forward has become frustrated at his lack of first team opportunities.

However he is now focussed on breaking into the side and helping the O's maintain their League One status. He said: "I'm going to give it my best shot because I want the fans to see the best of me.

"Obviously things could be better than they are but it's early days yet. It's a new league and we are learning but we are confident we can turn things around."

Ibehre worked his way through the Orient youth ranks before finally making his debut at the age of 17, when he scored two goals against Macclesfield.