A look at how Ian Hendon's O's are shaping up for the new season
Our look at this season’s League Two opponents continues with Leyton Orient
Who’s in charge?
Former O’s player Ian Hendon is the man in charge this season. The 43-year-old began his career with Tottenham and he then went through a number of loan moves before a permanent switch to the O’s in 1993. After 131 appearances for the club, he moved onto Notts County, Northampton, Sheffield Wednesday, Peterborough and finally Barnet.
Hendon began his managerial career with the Bees in 2004 as caretaker with Danny Maddix, this lasted one season. He returned in 2008 as their boss and then went on to Dover Athletic before his May appointment at Leyton Orient after a spell on the coaching staff at West Ham.
Last season
Orient had high hopes for the campaign, after narrowly missing out on promotion the season before when they lost the play-off final to Rotherham. However, it turned into a miserable campaign as Russell Slade left in late September to join Cardiff City. Italian Fabio Liverani was appointed in his place but they failed to stay up, going down on the final day of the season with 49 points. Their best result of the season was a 1-0 win at Aston Villa in the second round of the Capital One Cup. They also reached the area semi-final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy but were knocked out at Oldham in the first round of the FA Cup.
Summer plans
After the disappointment of relegation last season, Orient are seeking to inject new life into the squad. The O’s have already begun their business by signing five players, they are former West Ham youngsters Paul McCallum and Blair Turgott, striker Ollie Palmer from Mansfield, Sean Clohessy from Colchester and Sammy Moore from AFC Wimbledon. Meanwhile, Harry Lee has signed a new one-year deal and Sandro Semedo has signed his first professional contract. Several players have departed including striker Darius Henderson.
The O's kicked off pre-season with a 2-1 defeat at Braintree on Friday when McCallum was their goal scorer.
Previous meetings
Our excellent record against the O’s currently stands at five wins and one loss. The most recent meeting ended in a 1-0 victory to the Reds, with Izale McLeod scoring from the spot last March.
How far is it?
It is a 114 round mile trip to Leyton Orient, which we will make on February 27th 2016. Our home game against the O’s is on October 10th.
