Mathieu Baudry admits he has “great memories” from his time at AFC Bournemouth ahead of Orient’s trip to the south coast this weekend.

The defender moved to the Cherries at the start of last year, after leaving France, where he enjoyed an 18-month spell at Dean Court.

Baudry has not featured regularly since signing for the O’s but is desperately hoping to be involved against his former club.

The 24-year-old said: “It’s really special for me because Bournemouth is like the team I support. That’s where I moved to when I came over from France and the people have been great there for me.

“It was disappointing last season that the club changed their politics when I got injured so I wasn’t happy. But I have great memories there and I would love to play against them because I still have friends there. The gaffer will make his decision and I will respect it.”

When asked about the reasons behind the changing circumstances at Bournemouth, Baudry replied: “You can see the difference there with the money and they tried to bring in players with big money.

“I was injured at this time and they brought in a lot of players. I was on loan [at Dagenham & Redbridge] when they changed managers so the gaffer didn’t know me.

“He chose to go with other players so I had to respect it but I was disappointed because Bournemouth was great for me when I came from France. But now I’m a Leyton Orient player and I want to go there and win the next game.

“It’s hard when you have a lot of players and the club was known as a family club,” he continued. “They changed and the players who left were the spirit of the club. They changed direction so maybe they need time.

“I still have friends there so I wish them the best but on Saturday when we go there I will do my best to get the three points if I’m on the pitch for Leyton Orient.”

Baudry has been played out of position in midfield this season but was given a chance at centre-back in the midweek Johnstone's Paint Trophy win over Barnet.

The Frenchman, who stood in for the suspended Ben Chorley, believes he offers a different skill set to the other defenders at Brisbane Road.

The former Troyes player said: “I was playing centre-back and I enjoyed it. I tried to show the gaffer I can play as well and I’m here to fight for my place.

“I think I’m a different player to the other centre-backs. I have different qualities and I hope the gaffer liked it. I hope to keep my place because I want to play week in, week out.

“I’ve been playing in midfield here and I think for someone who’s never played in this position I gave some fair performances. I haven’t been lucky to be here when the team have had results.

“When I played we had hard games against Charlton, Everton, Tranmere, Stevenage and Doncaster so it hasn’t been easy but I just tried to adapt to the role. My natural position is centre-back and I tried to show the gaffer I want to be number one in my position.

“It’s frustrating [not being involved] because I want to play week in, week out. I think I’m good enough to play in the team but to be fair the boys have been doing a good job so I have to be patient.”