IF ORIENT do want to retain Tamika Mkandawire this summer, then making him star player is surely the right way to go about it.

And that is exactly what the club did earlier this week, when it named the man they call Tam Leyton Orient's player of the year The 25-year-old centre back scooped the gong at an awards bash in Chigwell on Monday night.

He played 39 games and scored five goals during the 2008-09 season.

There were further plaudits for the Malawi-born too, as he was declared first among equals by members of the first team squad who made him players' player of the year.

The goal of the season prize went to veteran Scott McGleish for his strike in the 3-1 win at Carlisle, in March..

Then, his effort sealed a 23-pass attacking move by the O's.

At the same event, Merseysider Jamie Jones was awarded the prize for young player of the year.

The 20-year-old keeper made himself first choice between the sticks during the last campaign, displacing Glenn Morris.

Joneses quick reflexes and command of the penalty area were a solid foundation upon which the team built winning performances in the second half of the season.

Both players have contracts which should keep them at Brisbane Road next season.

Meanwhile, young prospect Loick Pires appears to have not wasted his time while he waits for a regular place in the first team.

The midfielder was named as the club's community player of the year for all his efforts in the area.