Leyton Orient Football Club: Introduction

Leyton Orient Football Club is a professional football team based in Leyton, an area in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, East London. Known affectionately as “The O’s,” the club was established in 1881, making it one of the oldest professional football clubs in England. They play their home games at Brisbane Road (also known as the Breyer Group Stadium), a stadium with a capacity of around 9,271.

Currently, Leyton Orient plays football in English League One. The staff here at the Fanbase wish the club and supporters much success in the future. So, here’s our overview of the club and supporters:

Before we continue, here’s a link to the club’s official website.

Early History and Formation

Leyton Orient was originally founded as Glyn Cricket Club in 1881 by members of the Glyn Cricket team. The football branch was developed to keep players fit during the winter. In 1888, the club changed its name to Orient Football Club, supposedly because one of its founding members worked for the Orient Shipping Line.

It wasn’t until 1907 that the club joined the Football League after an election process. By then they had the name Clapton Orient. The club added “Leyton” in 1946, giving the club its modern name.

The club has historically been based in East London and has strong local roots. They moved to their current home ground, Brisbane Road, in 1937, and it has remained their home since.

Leyton Orient Football Club Nickname: “The O’s”

Leyton Orient is commonly referred to as “The O’s.” The origin of the nickname is unclear, but it may stem from the round shape of the letter “O” in the word “Orient.” However, The Orient is in common use.

Achievements and League History

Leyton Orient has spent much of its history in the lower divisions of English football, although it has had some notable achievements:

• Top Division Appearance: The club’s most notable achievement was its promotion to the top tier of English football (then the First Division) for the 1962-63 season. However, they suffered relegation after just one season in the top flight.
• FA Cup: Leyton Orient has reached the FA Cup semi-finals once, during the 1977-78 season. However, Arsenal knocked them out.
• Recent History: In the 2013-14 season, Leyton Orient came close to promotion to the Championship (second tier) but lost in the play-off final to Rotherham United on penalties. This disappointment was followed by a tumultuous period with ownership issues and financial struggles, which culminated in their relegation to the National League (fifth tier) in 2017 for the first time in 112 years.
• National League Champions (2019): Leyton Orient bounced back by winning the National League in the 2018-19 season, securing their return to the EFL League Two (fourth tier).

Leyton Orient supporters have seen very few highs in their time. But they did come runners up in the old Second Division (2nd tier in English soccer) (1961/62 season). They also won the London Challenge Cup 4 times (1912, 1972, 1973, 1993).

Ownership and Management

Leyton Orient has experienced various ownership changes throughout its history, of course. But one of the most turbulent periods came in 2014 when Italian businessman Francesco Becchetti purchased the club. Under Becchetti’s ownership, the club faced financial instability, poor management, and relegation to the National League.

In 2017, the club was rescued by a consortium led by lifelong fan Nigel Travis, chairman of Dunkin’ Brands, and American businessman Kent Teague, who restored stability to the club both on and off the field.

Leyton Orient Football Club: Colours and Crest

Leyton Orient’s traditional kit colours are red shirts, white shorts, and red socks. Over the years, the design has varied, but red remains the dominant colour. The club’s crest features two red wyverns, mythical dragon-like creatures. Indeed, those are associated with protection and vigilance, along with a football at the centre. The current crest came about in 2011, reinstating a design that they previously used.

Fan Base and Rivalries

Leyton Orient has a loyal and passionate fan base, largely drawn from East London and surrounding areas. Despite not having the same profile as some of its London neighbours like West Ham United or Tottenham Hotspur, the club enjoys strong local support.

• Main Rivalries:
  • Leyton Orient’s historic rivals include Southend United and Dagenham & Redbridge.
  • The Southend United rivalry came about after a spell in the same league. Indeed, they compete together in the “A13 derby.”
  • The club also has a lesser-known but fierce rivalry with West Ham United, which is mostly due to their geographic proximity in East London.
  • Millwall is also a rival, although matches between them have become rare due to being in different divisions.
  • Brentford and Barnet also offer a degree of rivalry.

Notable Players and Managers

• Laurie Cunningham: A product of Leyton Orient’s youth system, Cunningham became the first black player to represent England at a competitive level and went on to have a successful career with clubs like West Bromwich Albion and Real Madrid.
• John Sitton: Famous for his fiery management style, Sitton became somewhat of a cult figure after appearing in the controversial documentary “Orient: Club for a Fiver” during the 1994-95 season.
• Russell Slade: One of the club’s most successful modern-day managers, leading Leyton Orient to the League One play-off final in 2014.

Recent Success and Community Involvement

Leyton Orient, under the ownership of Nigel Travis and Kent Teague, has become a stable and well-run club in recent years. Their return to the EFL League Two marked a significant turnaround from the turmoil of previous years. The club remains heavily involved in community outreach and charitable activities, operating the Leyton Orient Trust. The trust works on projects in East London that promote education, sports, and social inclusion.

Brisbane Road (Breyer Group Stadium)

Leyton Orient’s home ground, Brisbane Road, has a long history, having been used by the club since 1937. The stadium has a capacity of around 9,271 and is famous for its tight, intimate atmosphere. Over the years, the ground has seen various developments. Some of those include the construction of modern stands and residential apartments overlooking the pitch.

This famous old club has a warm and friendly family atmosphere.

Leyton Orient Football Club: In Conclusion

Leyton Orient FC holds a special place in the heart of East London football, representing a rich history and resilient community spirit. Despite the ups and downs, from top-flight football to non-league obscurity, the club continues to push forward. Loyal fans guide the team with a strong sense of identity.

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**Information updated on September 12, 2024.