Sean Thornton is out of Leyton Orient in an end-of-season cull by boss Russell Slade.

The midfielder is the biggest shock on a seven strong list of players who have been released by the club, today (Monday).

It is understood that Thornton is keen to return to northern England.

His release ranks as a surprise because the Irishman has been a creative force in midfield since he arrived in 2007, and he was one of the most talented players at the club.

James Scowcroft is out after one season, in which he failed to score a single goal as top earner at the club.

Club captain Stephen Purches has also been told he does not have a future at Orient. The 30 year-old has been a good servant to the club, but he was reduced to a bit-part performer last season and struggled with injury as well.

Glenn Morris was the longest-serving player at Orient until today, but now the keeper who has been a number-two all through his career must find another club.

Also released by Orient are the midfielders Harry Baker and Loick Pires, and right-back Andrew Cave-Brown.