Richo: Come and play for me Michael

Last updated : 28 January 2005 By Rob Davies
Former County midfielder Simpson was released by Wycombe Wanderers in the summer and, while the 30-year-old Nottingham-born man was a free agent, Richardson pleaded with then-manager Mills to make a move for his former team-mate.

Simpson during his Meadow Lane days
But Mills instead opted for Peterborough midfielder Matty Gill and Orient signed Simpson on a two-year deal.

"Michael is a player that I recommended to Gary Mills over the summer, when he was released by Wycombe," Richardson told the NEP. "I thought he had been unlucky to be released by Notts in the first place, back in 1996.

"But Gary did not fancy him, which is fair enough.

"I would have been interested in taking him when I took over, but by that stage he had signed a two-year contract with Orient."

Simpson will again line-up against his former club tomorrow in the heart of Orient's midfield. The experienced maestro has a habit of playing well against his former club, though Richardson will be hoping his side can stiffle his former team-mate.

More build-up to come.