Martin Ling has certainly been one of the success stories of the Leyton Orient season and in recognition of his contribution to the Os midfield hes now received a hat-trick of awards.

Ling had already picked up both the players player and supporters player of the year awards and he now completes the set with the Guardian & Gazette Series starman accolade, given to the player who picks up the most starman awards from our weekly match reports.

Ling, who turns 32 this July, led the way with a total of seven, just ahead of supporters merit award winner and new club captain Dean Smith with six.

Speaking earlier in the week, Ling revealed how this season has been so different to his first year at Brisbane Road.

After last year, which was so difficult, there were a few question marks over my head for this season, but everything has worked out really well, he said.

Ive enjoyed myself over the last few months and I think Ive proved a few people wrong.

Its been quite a turnaround for Ling who had originally struggled to impose himself in the Division Three and there were many who thought his intricate style was too pretty for that level of football.

Its true to say that at the end of last season not many people would have put me forward as a contender for player of the year, reflected the midfielder, but I always knew that I could play to this standard.

Ling celebrated his achievement by signing a new two year contract a fortnight ago and after the frustrations of this years campaign he fully expects the Os to win promotion next season.

I think the chairman, the manager and the players all know that next year has got to be the year that we go up, he confirmed.

Weve got the players at the club to be a successful side and thats why Im staying here to be successful.

Ling is confident that with people like Carl Griffiths and Smith already at Brisbane Road, together with the new signings that Tommy Taylor is planning, next season he will give the fans even more to smile about.

Its priceless to have a 20-goal striker which is what Carl almost guarantees, he said. Dean is the perfect choice as skipper and hell do a fine job. Hes got the club at his heart and hes got everyones respect.

However Ling was unable to shed too much light on the Os mysterious new Belgian signing Wim Walschaerts, although he was able to confirm he exists.

Ive only seen a little bit of Wim while he was on trial last season, but hes a holding midfield player who can win the ball.

Hes just what we need if were going to play through the middle of the park and win our games.

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