THE BLUES
Oh what fun we had. Tuesday was a fine night for the T&B corner, we certainly needed it, and
Of course, as ever, as it was never all doom and gloom after Barnsley, (still they beat ColU., getting worried lads, you should be), it's not all plain sailing back to the Championship on the back on one match, even if it was Leeds. We had some luck that's been missing lately with the Yorkshire strikers missing a couple of sitters, little Darryl was at times, well, little, and Clarkey, brilliant for most of the game, did his traditional back header into the danger area when he really meant it to go in the other direction, while Francis enjoyed going in circles and then slipping over. Sorry guys, Hunt has been more consistent in that position and should return. New boy Charlie Mulgrew will logically step in for the departed Hammell but will look odd in a defence where the full backs are now taller than the central duo. Joking, joking!
OK, enough, Tuesday was the best performance by Southend this season, 5 stars, far better than the
The midfield duo of McCormack and Bailey, terrific throughout against
THE OPPOSITION
ORIENT manager Martin Ling is looking for his side to extend their recent home record in Saturday's derby clash. The O's are unbeaten in five at
Ex-blue Wayne Gray and fellow striker Jabo Ibehre are set to return in time from injury to face the Shrimpers. Clayton Fortune (shoulder), Sean Thornton (hamstring), (oh well, Macca should stay on the pitch for 90 minutes at least), Alton Thelwell (knee) and Adam Chambers (suspension), are all out however, while Brian Saah is also struggling with a groin injury.
Speaking after Tuesday night's 0-0 draw at
While
He said: "This game is massive for the supporters and having played for both clubs. I know what it means to both sets of fans. I'm sure there will be a great atmosphere on Saturday, and I'm sure Southend will bring a good support with them. Our fans have been excellent though this season, and I really do think they played their part when we won at their place on the opening day of the season. They out-sang the home supporters, (yeh,
The London listings mag Time Out, who have fallen in love with Martin Ling over the last few months, while predicting Orient v OPR at the Olympic Stadium 2012/13 season, (I do believe the billionaire boys from the Bush will be well out of reach of Orient by then, as well as buying the stadium as a training pitch, still Barry can dream), printed the following preview from an Andrew Shields.
'
Orient's average home gate has crept above 5,000 for the first time since 1993 and the 'shellsuit derby', (oh those college boys from W1, they make us laugh), should bring a further hike to that figure. However, poor goal difference could hinder both these play-off chasers, (fairer point): the Shrimpers are only just in credit while Orient have carried a minus figure since shipping 14 in four games back in the autumn. Martin Ling insists Adam Boyd is the key to the O's promotion chances: set the challenge of scoring 20 goals (he's more than halfway there now), the former
They did pick up a good point at Walsall on Tuesday, a report on that game and the team that finished the match.
For all those people who assume 0 - 0 scorlines mean a boring game, Walsall and Orient gave a perfect reply in an entertaining encounter at Bescot last night as the Saddlers battered the Os nil - nil. The visitors must have gone away perplexed as to how they hadn't conceded. Money sprang a surprise, not by resting Bradley, who had been looking a bit jaded of late, but by replacing him with Sonko in centre midfield. Nicholls was on the wing and Deeney up front. The entire game was a story of the home team making chances and decent half chances, but missing them all, as the lack of the absent Michael Rickett's guile, (did he say guile or gut!), was always a problem.
In the first half, first Deeney was put away but put his cross to close to the 'keeper, then he had a header cleared away by a defender. Sonko, having a very good game in the middle of the park, then put a near post header across the face of goal from a corner, but no one had gambled on the far post. Scott Dann was next to have a header just over, when he might have done better, then the same player, usually so deadly in front of goal, fired over from a loose ball, when he should have done much better. Tommy Mooney was next to have a weak shot saved, which were coupled with some goal mouth scrambles, before Nicholls finished the half by dragging a shot wide after he had been put through The opposition's only reply had been from Terry, firing well over after a scramble.
Second half was more of the same, with some weak shooting from Mooney, Sonko, Nicholls and Deeney when all might have done better. Lee Holmes was acting as creator of much of the mayhem, as he had the right back on toast. The misses of the half, however, came from Dann, when he mistimed his jump and didn't connect properly with a virtually free header, and Wrack, appearing on the far post to head a wicked Holmes cross just wide when he should have scored. As the Saddlers got more desperate, Money made some changes, with Nicholls, shortly after having one good shot saved, being replaced by Taundry, the impressive Sonko, injured in a tackle, replaced by Bradley and Demontagnac coming on for Deeney. Hokems then had a free kick saved well by the 'keeper, but the Saddlers were running out of steam, so the Orient did mange to get a couple of chances towards the end, which were ably dealt with.
Nelson, Purches, Mkandawire, Saah, Daniels, Melligan (Demetriou 78), Chambers, Terry, Corden, Barcham (Echanomi 82), Boyd.
Subs Not Used: Morris, Oji, Palmer.
THE MATCHES
74 matches played: WON 21 DRAWN 21 LOST 32 .
Saturday March 22 2003. Where were you, at Roots Hall maybe? Well, it was the day Southend United last beat Leyton Orient, 1-0, Salter the goal. Since then a miserable run of own goals, a draw and four defeats have given our east end neighbours bragging rights in matches between the sides.
It started well enough with a draw and a win in the third qualifying round of the F.A. Cup on Nov. 30 1907, the replay on Dec. 3, 1-1 and 3-1 respectively. Clenshaw got us a draw in our first league meeting in Div. 3 South twenty odd years later, Dec. 7 1929, the score 1-1. Our first win was on April 12 1930, 4-1; Baron(2), Ward and Barnett the scorers.
We've shipped five goals to the O's on three occasions but the 5-1 win on Aug. 23 1985 when Caddete scored four times along with O'Shea will live long in the memory of those who witnessed it. A 3-0 win in the East End on April 3 1999, Campbell(2) and Coleman grabbed the goals, and two Abbey goals on Jan. 20 2001 saw a 2-0 victory shows we can beat them away from the Hall.
There was nearly a third win when we went 2-1 up, Gray and Eastwood scoring, on Tue. Dec. 7 2004, but Orient grabbed a 2-2 draw. The very last match-up between the sides saw the Thornton diving show on the opening day of this season, Aug. 11 2007, and a 1-2 defeat, Gower opening for the Blues.
THE GROUND
The ground has seen a lot of re-development in recent years, with the construction of three new stands. Finance for this has chiefly come from the proceeds of selling part of the Brisbane Road site to a property developer. In this ground breaking development, the corners of the ground have been filled with blocks of residential apartments, which certainly gives the stadium a unique look. Some other clubs are looking at the scheme with interest and I wouldn't be surprised to see something similar take place at another league ground at some point in the future.
At one end is the single tiered, South Stand (capacity 1,336 seats), that was opened in 1999. This stand replaced a former open terrace. An interesting feature of this covered area is that it is raised above pitch level, meaning that you have to climb a small set of steps at the front to reach the seating area. The old Main (East) Stand, which was originally opened in 1956, has been reduced in length, but is still a fair size. This partly covered stand is now all seated after having seating installed on the former front terrace. Unfortunately, it has several supporting pillars and the roof doesn't quite cover all of the front seating. It does though have an interesting gable on its roof which has 'Leyton Orient' proudly emblazoned across it and gives a nice link to the Club's history.
Opposite is the new West Stand which was opened for the 2005/06 season. This all seated stand which has a capacity of 2,872, has an unusual look about it, as above the seating area is a tall vertical structure that houses the Club offices. In fact to be honest it looks more like an office block that has some seats installed on a large viewing gallery, rather than a football stand. It also has some corporate hospitality areas, which look a little precarious, as the outside seating area of these overhang the lower tier. If you carry on with the office theme, then you can almost imagine these being used by the window cleaners to clean the office windows. At the very top of the stand is a fair sized viewing gallery for television cameras and press and the roof of the stand contains a lot of perspex panels to allow more light to reach the pitch.
At the North End is the ground is the most recent addition to the stadium. The North Stand was opened at the beginning of the 2007/08 season and replaced a former open terrace. This simple looking covered all seated stand, has space for 1,351 spectators and looks similar to the South Stand. The ground also has a set of four modern looking floodlight pylons. Currently away supporters are housed in one side (towards the South End) of the Main Stand, where there are a couple of supporting pillars that may impede your view.
THE CAR OR THE UNDERGROUND?
Approaching London on the A127 join the A12 after Gallows Corner, follow the signpost Central London, Ilford, and at the Green Man interchange branch left, then at the Green Man Roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A11 (signposted Leytonstone). Turn right onto the A106 and after half a mile turn right onto the A112 into Leyton. Turn left onto Buckingham Road, then right onto Brisbane Road. Good luck with street parking and if it takes you under an hour and a quarter.
Or help climate change, and your stress levels, by buying an all-day Travelcard from Southend Central and beyond, joining the tube at West Ham and changing at Mile End for the eastbound Central line and two stops to Leyton. On the other route there is a bus replacement service between Southend Victoria and Wickford, so allow some extra time for your journey. If you are getting on at Southend Vic you can catch an express bus to Wickford, as apposed to going via Hockley and Rochford. Get off at Stratford, again for the eastbound Central line, and only one stop to Leyton this way.
The ground is then about a 1/4 of a mile away. Come out of the station and turn right down Leyton High Road. Cross over the road to the other side and continue down it. You will come to Coronation Gardens on your left and the floodlights of the ground can be clearly seen behind them. Take the next left past the gardens into Buckingham Road for the ground.
THE PUB
I'm afraid the area is a bit of a drinking hell hole so good luck! The best is probably the Birbeck Tavern but here's a small choice and one of them is in Walthamstow!
Birkbeck Tavern: Free house. About ten minutes from the ground, and especially convenient if you've come by tube, this is one of the best pubs in the area. As you exit Leyton tube turn left away from the ground. Follow the path for 20 yards and there is a gap in the railings with steps leading down to the road below. At the bottom of the steps turn left and follow Station Road as it straightens up parallel with the tube line (behind a row of houses), and at the end of the road follow it to the right as it joins up with Langthorne Road. You should have a high brick wall on the left hand side, behind which is a graveyard. The Birkbeck is on the left 200 yards down Langthorne Road and can be seen from a distance. Stocks three or more guest ales on handpull and the usual selection of lagers and bottles as well as an excellent selection of whisky. Food is confined to rolls and sandwiches. 45 Langthorne Road E11 4HL.
Coach and Horses: This is the closest pub to the ground, a one minute walk, and as such is the Orient "local", packed out on match days. There's large screen TV, and children are allowed. Whilst there's no trouble with away fans you might try elsewhere if you want to get served inside half an hour. 391 High Road E10 5NA.
King Harold: Closest pub to Leyton tube station, with a big screen and pool table. 116 High Road.
Three Blackbirds: Good for those coming by train as it's next to the Midland Road mainline station. A huge pub with two bars, three pool tables, jukebox, sports TV screen, arcade games, large garden and a playground. Attracts a youngish clientele. Food is cheap and plentiful, of the steaks, chips and burgers variety. The beer selection is average, but no real ales. 640 High Road, E10 6RN.
The Drum: The nearest JD Wetherspoon pub. You'll know what to expect, though as one of the smallest and oldest in the chain, having been purchased in 1986, it has a bit more individuality and character than some of their more recent offerings. And maybe some barstaff! 557-559 Lea Bridge Road, Walthamstow, E10 7EQ.
THE HISTORY
Leyton Orient was originally formed by members of the Glyn Cricket Club in 1881, many of whom were former students of Homerton College. The team has had several name changes since, first as Eagle Cricket Club in 1886 then as Orient Football Club in 1888. History books written on the Club by its Historian Neilson N Kaufman suggest that the choice of the name Orient came about at the behest of a player (Jack R Dearing) who was an employee of the Orient Shipping Company (later to be taken over by P&O). The club's name was changed again to Clapton Orient in 1898 to represent the area of London in which they played. However, some historians think the name Orient was simply chosen due to its oddity and has no connections to them being an East-End club.
The name Leyton Orient was adopted following the conclusion of the Second World War. The club had moved to Leyton in 1937. A further rename back to simply Orient took place in 1966 after the Borough of Leyton was absorbed into the London Borough of Waltham Forest. That renaming followed a financial crisis (one of several to hit the club, and by no means the first or last) and restructuring of the company behind the club; this is remembered for a "pass the bucket" collection that took place at a special meeting of supporters in the East Stand, when complete closure was claimed to be a definite possibility.
The club finally reverted back to Leyton Orient in 1987, shortly after Tony Wood took over as chairman and at a time when a supporters campaign was taking place in the Leyton Orientear fanzine to reinstate the Leyton part of the club's name.
The O's are the second oldest Football League club in London and the south-east of England behind Fulham. They played in the 2nd Division of the Southern League in 1904, joined the Football League in 1905 and are the 24th oldest club currently playing in the Football League.
The 1914-15 season was the last football season before the League was suspended due to the outbreak of the First World War. 41 members of the Clapton Orient team and staff joined up into the 17th Battalion Middlesex Regiment (the Footballers' Battalion) the highest of any football team in the country and the first to join up en masse. At the final game of the season - Clapton Orient vs Leicester Fosse, 20,000 people came out to support the team. A farewell parade was also hosted, but not before the O's had won 2-0. The British Film Institute hold a brief recording of this historic match and parade in their archives.
During the Battle of the Somme, three players gave their lives for King and Country: Richard McFadden, George Scott and William Jonas. Though they were the only Orient staff to have died during the First World War, many others sustained wounds, some more than once and were not able to resume their football careers after the war. Prior to the First World War, O's striker Richard McFadden had saved the life of a boy who was drowning in the River Lea as well as rescuing a man from a burning building. History was made on Saturday April 30 1921 when the Prince of Wales, later to become King Edward Vlll, visited Millfields Road to see the O's play Notts County. The Orient won 3 - 0 and this was the first time a member of royalty had attended a Football League match. The royal visit was to show gratitude for Clapton Orient's patriotic example during the Great War and there is now a plaque erected on the site of the Millfields Road Stadium to commemorate this historic event.
The story of the club's major involvement in the First World War has been told in a 2005 book entitled 'They Took The Lead', by Stephen Jenkins (the deputy chairman of Leyton Orient Supporters' Club). In July 2006 Steve Jenkins, assisted by Les Bailey took a party of 150 Leyton Orient Supporters and members of the Leyton and Manor Park Royal British Legion over to the Somme region of northern France, to visit the WW1 war graves and in particular to pay their respects at the resting places of Richard McFadden, William Jonas and George Scott. This was the first official visit to the O's war graves for 90 years - it is planned that a return trip will take place in the Summer of 2008.
Orient's golden years were in the 1960s and 1970s. In the 1961/62 season Orient were promoted to the top tier of English football, the First Division (now the FA Premier League), for the only time in their history, after finishing second in Division Two under the management of Johnny Carey. The team struggled in the top flight and were relegated from the top division the following season. Nonetheless, they did defeat West Ham United in a famous 'double' victory (home and away wins). They spent the whole of the 1970s in Division Two. In 1978 Orient were defeated in the semi final of the FA Cup, the furthest they have progressed in that competition.
Leyton Orient were Division Three South champions in the 1955/56 season and Division Three champions in the 1969/70 season. They were also the Anglo-Scottish Cup Runners up 1976/77.
In 1978 the club was indirectly responsible for the album Variations (album) composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber for his brother, the cellist Julian Lloyd Webber. This reached No.2 in the pop album charts. Variations came about as the result of a bet between the two brothers on the outcome of Orient's final game of the 1976/77 season against Hull City.
Leyton Orient were promoted in the 1988/89 season, when under manager Frank Clark they were promoted in the Division Four Play-Off Final after a 2-1 aggregate victory over Wrexham F.C. More recently, under manager Tommy Taylor, Orient were defeated in the 1999 and 2001 Third Division Play-Off Finals, played at Wembley Stadium and the Millennium Stadium respectively. The latter final saw the fastest ever club goal scored to date at the Millennium Stadium, as Orient's Chris Tate scored after just 27 seconds.
Leyton Orient's most recent promotion was in the 2005/06 season, finishing in 3rd place and gaining automatic promotion to the Football League One under the direction of manager Martin Ling. This was the club's first automatic promotion in 36 years, and ended a period of 11 years in the English league's bottom division. This promotion season also saw an excellent FA Cup run, with Leyton Orient progressing to the 4th round after beating Premiership side Fulham F.C. Promotion was only secured in the final minutes of the final game of the season, away at Oxford United; with the score tied at 2-2 and Orient seemingly destined to miss out yet again on promotion, news came through of a late goal scored against promotion rivals Grimsby Town F.C. that would potentially promote Orient, and the Orient fans were still celebrating this when - some 14 seconds later - Lee Steele scored to confirm Orient's promotion. The result also relegated Oxford to the Football Conference.
In 2006/07 Orient endured a difficult season in the third tier for the first time since 1994/95, having spent most of the season in or around the relegation zone, and were bottom of the table at times in the first half of the season. An improvement in fortunes after Christmas - including memorable wins against Millwall, Tranmere Rovers and a vital win at eventually-relegated Bradford City near the end of the season - helped them finish in 20th place, one spot above the relegation zone. Most of the promotion-winning side left at the end of the season, through a combination of players released and some rejecting new contracts, and while the club's longest-serving player Matthew Lockwood did sign a new contract, he moved to Nottingham Forest F.C. for an undisclosed sum later in pre-season.
Chairman Barry Hearn is not a man known for his patience and it is perhaps worth noting that current manager Martin Ling, has come close to getting the axe, if certain rather grumpy sounding remarks from Hearn in the press in the past have been anything to go by. However, in order to get the best out of a manager you have to stick with him, and helped by some rather impressive squad rebuilding over the summer of 2007, Ling has surprised rather a lot of bookies (though not TLG) by turning the sort of relegation-threatened form that the bookies predicted into a side that managed to hold a top of the table position during the early part of the 2007-08 season. They probably won't sustain that throughout the whole 46 games, but could easily find themselves in a play-off position come the end of the season and that would be an impressive achievement.
(Thanks to all of the usual suspects for their help with this article.)