Leyton Orient

Leyton Orient Football Club is a professional football club based in Leyton, in the London Borough of Waltham Forest, England. The club was founded in 1881, making it one of the oldest football clubs in London. The team is affectionately known as the "O's" and has a rich history that spans over 140 years.

The club was initially established by members of the Glyn Cricket Club, who were looking for a winter pursuit. It was originally named Glyn Cricket and Football Club, but underwent several name changes before finally settling on Leyton Orient in 1946. The name "Orient" was adopted in honor of the Orient Shipping Line, an important employer for the club's players at the time.

Leyton Orient has spent the majority of its history in the lower leagues of English football. The club's most successful period came in the late 1960s and early 1970s when they spent a single season in the top flight of English football (1962-63) and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup in 1978. Despite these achievements, the O's have never won a major trophy.

The club's home ground is the Breyer Group Stadium, formerly known as Brisbane Road. The stadium has a capacity of over 9,000 and has been the home of Leyton Orient since 1937. The team's traditional colors are red for home games and all white or all black for away games.

Over the years, Leyton Orient has developed a reputation for nurturing young talent. Many players have started their careers at the club before moving on to bigger teams. The club's youth academy is highly regarded and has produced several players who have gone on to play at the highest level.

In recent years, the club has faced financial difficulties and ownership changes. In 2014, the club was purchased by Italian businessman Francesco Becchetti, but his tenure was marred by controversy and financial mismanagement. This led to a period of instability, with the club being relegated from the Football League for the first time in its history in 2017.

However, under the new ownership of Nigel Travis, a lifelong fan of the club, and Kent Teague, Leyton Orient has begun to rebuild. In the 2018-19 season, the club won the National League title, securing a return to the English Football League after a two-year absence.

Despite its ups and downs, Leyton Orient remains a beloved institution in East London. The club's passionate fan base, known as the O's faithful, continues to support the team through thick and thin. The club's motto, "Only One Orient," reflects the unique place it holds in the hearts of its fans and the wider football community.