Leyton Orient Odds: 40/1 Last Five Seasons
2005/06 - 3 (League Two, Promoted), 2004/05 - 11 (League Two), 2003/04 - 19 (League Two), 2002/03 - 18 (League Two), 2001/02 - 18 (League Two). 2005/06 Cup Progress
FA Cup Fourth Round vs Charlton Athletic (a) - lost 2-1.
Carling Cup First Round vs Luton Town (h) - lost 3-1.
Football League Trophy Southern Section Second Round vs Oxford United (a) - lost 1-0. Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Gary Alexander (striker) - 15 goals. Players In
Wayne Corden (Scunthorpe United - Free). Players Out
Gabriel Zakuani (Fulham - 1,000,000) Leyton Orient have been almost guaranteed to finish in the lower reaches of League Two so it was something of a shock when a third placed finish last season ensured automatic promotion for the first time in 36 years and catapulted them into League One. Both manager Martin Ling and assistant Dean Smith have been rewarded for the achievement and have signed new two year contracts at Brisbane Road. Ling is also to be given a testimonial for ten years' service as a player and manager at the newly promoted club. Ling made winger Wayne Corden his first signing as a League One manager following the 30 year old's loan from Scunthorpe United last season. Corden joined on a free transfer and penned a two year deal. However, star defender Gabriel Zakuani has departed the club for Premiership outfit Fulham, in a deal believed to be worth 1,000,000. Zakuani, a Democratic Republic of Congo international, made almost 100 appearances for the O's and scored three goals. If the one million pound fee is true, this will eclipse the previous club record 600,000 that Orient were paid for John Chiedozie in 1981. Ling is looking for a suitable replacement for Zakuani but does not intend making any further purchases, preferring to stick largely with the squad he has at his disposal. While Zakuani has moved on for pastures new, two other players have pledged their future to the Brisbane Road club. Former Cambridge United defender Adam Tann has signed a long term contract after impressing following a short term deal when he arrived at the club in January. Striker Jabo Ibehre, who scored eight goals last season, has also been offered a new two year contract. Verdict
After losing their star defender and no decent replacements coming in despite receiving a substantial transfer fee, it's straight back down for the Orient next May. They are available for relegation at odds of 7/2. |
