Andy Scott headed for Leyton Orient today - hoping that the "deathly silence" at Oxford United does not cost the club another promotion.

The 31-year-old striker had his contract cancelled by the U's last night, and signed for the east London club until the end of next season.

But Scott, who has been at the club for three-and-a-half years, says that he fears for the U's promotion hopes.

"It has never been easy at Oxford - you feel that there is something holding the club back all the time," he said.

"It is waiting to take off there, and if everyone at the club worked together with a bit more commitment, there is no reason why Oxford could not be a first division club again.

"Personally, I haven't enjoyed my time there as much as I could, but it's not surprising when you change your manager what seemed like every five months.

"I felt I needed a change, and it is nice to go somewhere where the manager wants you."

Scott admitted the offer of security was one of the main reasons he joined the O's - and says he feels for the players at United, who do not know about their futures.

"The issue about contracts has reared its head again, and it is not a good situation at all," he said.

"I am sure that was what cost the club promotion last year, and you hope it doesn't happen again this time.

"It is easy for fans to say that it shouldn't affect you, but in another month or so, you know that you could be out of a job.

"When you have got a wife, kids and mortage to pay, that is not a nice thought.

"Having said that, the players knew that this season was not going to be any different to last.

"But if they were given incentives, maybe the final push would be there.

"The is a deathly silence at the club, and a total lack of communication. Nobody is being told what's going on at all."

However, Scott says that he hopes the U's do go up.

"I do hope that they get the third place, because the players have worked so hard this year and they deserve it," he added.

"Matt Bound looked like he was on the way out in the summer, but has got his head down and been outstanding, while Deano (Whitehead) has been patient and waited for his chance and has shown everyone that he is a superb player.

"Players like that deserve a promotion medal, but obviously the manager going has thrown another spanner in the works.

"I just hope that the change of manager and maybe a change of tactics can push them to promotion.

"But there was a culmination of factors as to why I felt I had to leave Oxford, and I just hope I can get back to enjoying my football at Orient again."