Ekpiteta at Bloomfield Road (credit: Blackpool FC)
The centre-back, who joined the O’s from East Thurrock United in 2018, rejected “numerous” offers throughout last season to stay at Brisbane Road, the club says.
His contract expired at the end of June and the 24-year-old has decided to move to the north-west
“We’re very disappointed to lose any player, but someone like Marv who has been on a successful journey with us in recent times is hard to take,” said Orient head coach, Ross Embleton.
“The club did everything in their power to retain Marvin at the club, but ultimately his interests lay elsewhere, and we wish him well in his challenge.”
? Welcome to Blackpool, Marvin Ekpiteta!
The highly-rated defender has joined the Club from @leytonorientfc.https://t.co/NNvGrVEmpC pic.twitter.com/qniLLcoPIL
— Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) July 8, 2020
Ekpiteta told the Blackpool FC website: “I’m so happy to be here and I can’t wait to get started.
“I’ve spoken to Neil (Critchley, Blackpool’s head coach) and the club is oozing positivity at the moment, so I feel this is a perfect opportunity to show what I can do.
“I love to defend and am also confident to play with the ball at my feet when the time is right, so I feel I have a lot to offer to Blackpool.”
Buzzing to have signed for @BlackpoolFC can’t wait to get started on my new chapter??? pic.twitter.com/7GG0OPXnch
— Marvin Ekpiteta (@Big_Marvv) July 8, 2020
Neil Critchley said: “Marvin is an exciting young defender with bags of potential, and we’re thrilled to have him here.
“He’s a player who has progressed from non-league and has impressed everywhere he has been, and this is the next step in his career.
“He’s an athletic defender, who will be a wonderful asset to the squad going forward.”
All the best to former Rocks favourite @Big_Marvv as he continues his footballing adventure with a move to @BlackpoolFC. .. Anyone for a pre-match paddle? pic.twitter.com/qv6DXnu4b6
— East Thurrock United FC. (@1EastThurrockFC) July 8, 2020
In a statement, Orient said: “The club would like to wish Marvin all the best with his new challenge stepping up to League One, and thank him for his contributions in our title-winning season.”
Tags: Leyton Orient, Football