Darren Pratley is pleased to see Wanderers “going in the right direction” after experiencing first-hand the tough times in recent years.

Pratley returned to the Toughsheet Community Stadium last month, coming off the bench for the second half as Leyton Orient were beaten 3-2.

The experienced midfielder spent seven years in the North West and captained the Whites at one stage.

He departed the club in the summer of 2018, with his final appearance coming in the memorable victory against Nottingham Forest to beat the drop.

Pratley has enjoyed seeing Wanderers’ rise over the past few years under Sharon Brittan’s ownership, but it will be business as usual for the midfielder once the whistle goes at Brisbane Road.

“It was difficult,” he told BBC Radio Manchester. “I was at the club for seven years so you have these bonds with the players and the staff, and you know what is going on.

“Obviously, the fans would sometimes get on the players’ backs saying, ‘You play for Bolton, you have to get on with it’. But when it is affecting the staff, it is not a nice place to be.

“I have to say, the new owners who have come in have galvanised the town.

“When I went and played them a couple of weeks ago, the work that Ian Evatt has done over the last couple of years ago – it is a completely different place.

“There are some familiar faces from when I was there and they have all got smiles on their faces. It is a positive club at the moment and they are going in the right direction. I am happy for the club.”

Pratley has made 21 appearances for Orient this season in all competitions, with his last start coming in the goalless draw against Wycombe over the festive period.