Another weekend, another date for your diary, as Exeter City host Leyton Orient at the Park.
Here’s all you need to know about The O’s…
- Founded: 1881
- Nickname: The O’s
- League Honours: Division 3 South (1955/56), Division 3 (1969/70)
- Home Kit: New Balance Red shirt with White trim, Red shorts, and red socks
- Away Kit: New Balance Black shirts, Black shorts, and black socks.
- Form: DDLLW (13th in League Two)
There is some doubt over the foundation of Leyton Orient Football Club in their earliest history. The most favoured version is that the football club stemmed from members of Glyn Cricket Club, who’d keep fit in winter by playing football. Eventually many of the employees of the Orient Shipping Line became involved and so name Orient Football Club was chosen in 1888. The name switched three more times before 1987, when Leyton Orient became the permanent name.
In 1903 Orient FC turned professional, and in 1905 were inducted into Division 2. Orient lost their inaugural Football League fixture 2-1 to Leicester Fosse, and were relegated back to non-league soon after. They returned to the Football League in 1929 and stayed until 1956 when they won their first major honour- winning the Division 3 title under the guidance of Alec Stock. In 1962 Orient were promoted into Division 1, but their stay in the top tier lasted three years and they haven’t managed to return since.
Leyton Orient began the 20th Century in Division 2 (The Championship) but were relegated to Div 3 in 2004. Between 2006-15 Orient resided in League One but a fall in recent years saw them relegated to the National League in 2017. The 2018/19 season Orient finished top of the Conference and returned to League Two where they finished 17th on PPG.
This season is a steady one for Orient sitting comfortably in 13th, but Embleton’s departure may spark The O’s into some late season form, courtesy of their player/manager. This season’s shirt sponsor comes from none other than ex-orient loanee and current England captain Harry Kane, who has donated his sponsorship to the club who gifted him his first senior games. Kane has used his sponsorship to thank the NHS for all their brilliant work over the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Manager
Jobi McAnuff
Arguably one of Leyton Orient’s star performers this season, McAnuff’s move to the touchline could come at an expense on the pitch. That said, victory in his first game against Grimsby was an ideal start for his first managerial appointment.
At 39, its impressive how the central midfielder has been able to clock thirty appearences this season, though that was always Jobi’s strengths. Throughout his playing career he has operated the engine room with ease and has been a valuable member to nearly every club he has featured for.
Most notably though, McAnuff was the captain and long-time fan-favourite of the Reading team promoted to the Premier League in 2012. The ex-Jamaica international earned 32 caps for his national side and has since set about earning his bread in the fourth tier. First at Stevenage, and now at Brisbane Road.
The Ground
- Name: The Breyer Group Stadium (Brisbane Road)
- Capacity: 9,271
- Year opened: 1937
- Address: Brisbane Road, Leyton, London, E10 5NF
Originally known as Osborne Road, the East London ground has been home to Leyton Orient (and versions of) for over 80 years. The ground has seen many redevelopments in its time. It’s first seated stand in 1956 was plucked from the old Mitcham Stadium and subsequent promotions has usually allowed the ‘O’s to expand and modernise. After the building of the 2012 Olympic Stadium, Barry Hearne and Leyton Orient registered their interest in taking over the ground, but the average attendance meant the bid failed in favour of West Ham United.
The main stand at Brisbane Road is named after former manager Justin Edinburgh, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 49. The left-back had a great playing career with over 200 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur through the 90’s winning the FA Cup in 1990/91 and the League Cup in 1998/99.
As a manager, Justin Edinburgh championed Leyton Orient back into the Football League in 2018/19 season. The stand was renamed in honour of Edinburgh in January 2020.
One to Watch
Danny Johnson
With sixteen goals already to his name this season, Danny Johnson is proving a handful for the league’s defences. Johnson began his senior career in Spain with Real Murcia before moving back to England in 2012 and Harrogate Town. Johnson scored 51 goals in 48 appearances for Guisborough Town before earning an uneventful move to then Premier League Cardiff City.
In 2018, the 27-year-old moved north of the border to Motherwell, then to Dundee, before joining up with Orient in January 2020.
Johnson is adept to scoring all types of goal but give him room within 10 yards and more often than not teams will be picking the ball out the back of the net.
Head to Head
It’s not often Exeter City get touted as a bogey team, but recent readings between the two clubs will put a smile on City fan’s faces. Exeter have won 5 of the last seven against Orient scoring 18 times since 2011.
The overall picture balances the books, however. There have been 90 fixtures in 80 years between the two teams and nearly 300 goals have been scored. City’s record victory over Orient was two 6-1 victories in 1931 and 51.
- Exeter City Wins: 32
- Draws: 26
- Leyton Orient Wins: 33
Recent Encounters
Leyton Orient 1-1 Exeter City 27/10/20
Jake Taylor’s cultured finish meant the shares were spoiled, extending City’s unbeaten run to seven.
Exeter City 2-2 Leyton Orient 14/09/19
Nicky Law’s stoppage time penalty rescued a point for Exeter to maintain the Grecians unbeaten start to the 2019/20 season.
Exeter City 4-0 Leyton Orient 02/01/17
Two goals from Ryan Harley and strikes from David Wheeler and Liam McALinden started new year with a bang, and kick started a 12 game unbeaten run.
Leyton Orient 0-1 Exeter City 22/11/16
Ollie Watkins sliding effort helped the Grecians to their sixth away win of the 16/17 season.
And Finally…
On 7th February 1926 Albert Pape travelled with the Orient team to play Manchester United only to find himself transferred to the Red Devils 90 minutes before kick-off. Pape who was Orient’s top scorer that season played in the game for United and scored their third in a 4-2 win against his former side.
How to Watch
Whilst we would love you to be there, showing your passionate support for the Grecians, you can get the next best thing by purchasing a match pass at the cost of just £10 in the UK. The stream includes the live club commentary, score overlay and replays.
By purchasing a match pass on the City website, you'll be providing much welcome income whilst games are played behind closed doors with around 80% of the price going directly to the Grecians.
To purchase a match pass please click here.
