Rotherham United's Adam Thompson joins Leyton Orient

ADAM Thompson has ended his season of frustration by leaving Rotherham United to join Leyton Orient on a permanent deal.

The defender hadn't featured for the first team since League One promotion last term and now heads to a League Two club nearer to where his family are based.

He came to an agreement with the Millers about his contract, which was due to expire in the summer, and left with a ringing endorsement from manager Paul Warne who talked of the player's exemplary attitude during his time at AESSEAL New York Stadium.

"Thommo's got a kid on the way and he's moving back down south," said the boss. "It's a no-brainer for him and he goes with our full blessing.

"He's been brilliant for me. He's never been a moment's problem even though he hasn't played a minute this season. His attitude is spot on and I know he will go on to have a good career."

The Essex-born 28-year-old joined Rotherham in August 2019 after leaving crisis club Bury and made 14 appearances, mainly at right back, as they won promotion to the Championship

"Thommo had an amazing season for us last year," Warne said. "I'll always thank him for that. He will always be close to my heart.

"He's a great kid, a great trainer. He nearly left in the summer transfer window. I sat down with him and frankly told him my thoughts. I didn't think he'd have much game-time this season and he'd be better furthering his career somewhere else.

"Unfortunately, when a team move up a league sometimes people lose out. We are trying to progress the club. We are trying to sign players better than what we already have."

At least one other club tried to sign Thompson earlier this month and Warne said that Orient had landed their man by offering the player a long-term deal.

The defender is the second exit of the day, following centre-half Curtis Tilt's loan switch to Wigan Athletic, and there could be further departures before the close of the transfer window on Monday.