Veteran given his cards by Orient

Leyton Orient's longest-serving player has been released by the club after an "unacceptable" display in Tuesday night's Second Division home defeat by Blackpool.

The defender Terry Howard was told during half-time in his 397th appearance for the club that he was being substituted, given a free transfer and two weeks wages. "Terry has been a very good servant and we are sure he will get another club," the joint manager, John Sitton, said.

The 28-year-old Howard has been on a weekly contract at the cash-strapped Brisbane Road club. "He was one of a number of players whose performance against Blackpool lacked urgency and passion and could not be tolerated. But the decision was taken for several reasons, including economics," Sitton added.