OMAR Beckles has revealed family considerations dictated his decision to leave Crewe Alex to join Leyton Orient.

The League Two club announced they had signed the 29-year-old defender on a two-year contract today.

The former Accrington and Shrewsbury player stalled on committing himself to Crewe despite being offered a new contract at the end of the season.

Orient said in a statement that Beckles had "rejected a new deal at Crewe Alexandra" to become the O's second new signing of the summer, following veteran midfielder Darren Pratley.

Beckles became an Alex fans' favourite with some dominant displays in the centre of defence, but faced competition to play in his preferred role later on last term.

He signed a one-year deal with the option of a further year when he arrived at Gresty Road last September after turning down terms at Shrewsbury.

He was linked with Wigan last month, but he has now chosen to return to his southern roots which is where the Leytonstone-born player started his career on the non-league circuit.

He tweeted a message "Would like to say a massive thank you to everyone involved at Crewe Alex. My time was short and wish it ended sweeter, but I enjoyed being a part of what was a positive season for the club.

"It was a difficult decision, but one that I had to make for my family."

Beckles said he was also persuaded to join the O's following the appointment of Kenny Jackett as the Londoners' boss last month.

"I'm delighted to be here and be back home," the defender told Orient's official website. "Looking at the intent of the club and Kenny coming in the time was right.

"The gaffer is a big part of me coming here. I don't see him as a League Two Manager at all. For me that's a sign of intent of the direction this club wants to go. That played a massive part for me."

Jackett said: "Omar was keen to come back to London, that was important for his next move. He had plenty of offers around the country, but wanted to come here."