Elliot Omozusi has admitted he owes a massive amount to the club after the O’s handed him a new contract less than a year after leaving prison.

The defender was axed by the League One side after he was jailed for witness intimidation in November 2011 but started training again with Orient last autumn following his release.

Omozusi was given a short-term contract at Brisbane Road, where he made six appearances, which was enough to earn him a new one-year deal which he signed at the end of last week.

The club’s decision to hand him a second chance was met with mixed feelings by supporters and the player is extremely grateful for being granted another opportunity.

Omozusi said: “The club have shown so much faith and confidence in me, not just as a footballer but as a person. I owe a massive amount to the chairman, chief executive and the manager.

“I’d really like to repay the people who are paying my wages because of what has happened so I hope I can hit the ground running next season. I don’t have much time to waste so hope to make a quick start.”

The former Norwich City and Fulham defender did not know what sort of reception to expect when he returned to the club but admitted he was just focused on winning over fans on the pitch.

He said: “I was a bit apprehensive as to how it would go at first. I just wanted to take it as it comes but I was prepared for anything. I just wanted to get my head down and let my football do the talking.

“On the whole, everyone has been unbelievable. The fans have taken to me well and the staff have been exceptional.”

Omuzusi insists he learnt not to take things for granted during his time in prison and is determined to make amends for his mistakes.

The 24-year-old said: “The biggest thing I learned is not to take anything for granted because life can change in a matter of seconds.

“I have to be positive and try to become a good role model for others.

“I think in the long term it could be a positive and I’m planning to turn the negatives into a positive. I feel with the right help I can definitely do that.”

Omozusi has been talking to youngsters in East London, as part of his role as an Orient player, and he hopes his experiences can help offer helpful advice to the community.

He said: “I’ve been visiting youth clubs and talking to them about the ups and downs in life and what it is like being a professional footballer.

“I’ve really enjoyed speaking to the kids and talking to people who have grown up in the same kind of environment as me.”

Omozusi did not feature regularly after returning to Orient in January, although he was not helped by a shoulder injury at the end of the season.

The defender has recovered from this and will spend the summer building up his fitness by training three times a week at Crystal Palace Athletics Stadium.

He said: “Getting back involved was a big plus for me. I didn’t play as much as I would have liked but that was to be expected, because the boys were doing well and I wasn’t as fit as I needed to be because of being out for so long.

“They [Orient] were really good to me and allowed me to come and train with them. Russell Slade is one of the few managers who takes the time out to talk to all the players and he is a top guy.”

Reflecting on the new contract and his targets for next season, the defender added: “I’m very happy to get it done and dusted.

“As a player that is always on your mind but I’m happy that we were able to get it sorted quickly.

“I want to get my starting place back in the side next season and hopefully we can finally get that elusive play-off spot.”