As Newport County prepare to take on Leyton Orient at Brisbane Road, we take a closer look at the O's.
What’s their story?
Since their founding in 1881, Leyton Orient enjoyed a remarkable run in the English Football League and were not relegated until the end of the 2016/17 season. Under new ownership, the O’s began their first season in the National League with great promise, topping the table in August. However, a challenging three-month winless streak led to the departure of head coach Steve Davis. He was succeeded by former Newport County manager, Justin Edinburgh, who steadied the ship and guided the team to a respectable 13th-place finish.
The following season, Leyton Orient soared to new heights, setting a club record with a 13-game unbeaten run and clinching the National League title, securing their return to the Football League. But just as the O's were riding high, tragedy struck when Justin Edinburgh tragically passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest at the age of 49. The entire footballing community mourned his loss, and the O's opening League Two match of the season became a poignant tribute, with Edinburgh’s final signing, Josh Wright, scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Cheltenham Town. Leyton Orient went on to finish 17th, successfully avoiding relegation in their first season back in League Two.
Just three seasons later, the O’s once again tasted glory, winning the League Two title with an impressive 91 points and securing promotion to League One for the first time in nine years. Last season, the team continued to build on their success, solidifying their place in League One with a strong 11th-place finish. Leyton Orient is now firmly established in the third tier of English football, with their sights set on even greater achievements.
Who’s the boss?
Leyton Orient is currently under the guidance of Richie Wellens, a former midfielder for Blackpool and Leicester City. Wellens brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously managed Oldham Athletic, Swindon Town, Salford City, and Doncaster Rovers.
His managerial career has been marked by success, with two EFL League Two titles to his name—first with Swindon Town and most recently with Leyton Orient. Additionally, he guided Salford City to victory in the EFL Trophy in 2020, further cementing his reputation as a capable and effective manager.
Wellens began his football journey at Manchester United, progressing through the ranks of his boyhood club. Although he never made a senior appearance for the Red Devils, he went on to enjoy a significant playing career elsewhere. Signing for Blackpool, Wellens made over 200 appearances for the Seasiders before moving to Oldham Athletic, where he added more than 80 appearances to his name. His time at Doncaster Rovers and Leicester City was particularly notable, as he made over 130 appearances for the Foxes. He also had stints with Ipswich Town, Shrewsbury Town, Salford City, and Macclesfield Town before transitioning into management.
Since taking the helm at Leyton Orient, Wellens has made an immediate impact, leading the team to the League Two title in the 2022-23 season. His leadership and tactical acumen have quickly established him as a key figure in the club’s ongoing success.
Who’s the club captain?
Darren Pratley, a seasoned former Premier League midfielder, became Leyton Orient's first signing of the 2021/22 transfer window. Pratley began his career at Fulham, making his Premier League debut at 18 against Charlton. After a loan spell at Brentford, he joined Kenny Jackett’s Swansea City in 2006, where he spent five successful years, securing promotions to the Championship and later to the Premier League.
Following Swansea’s play-off final victory, Pratley moved to Bolton Wanderers, where he spent seven years, scoring his first goal ironically against Swansea. He helped Bolton secure promotion back to the Championship in 2017. In 2018, Pratley returned to London with Charlton Athletic, where he achieved another promotion by winning the 2019 League One play-off final.
Upon joining Leyton Orient, Pratley was immediately appointed captain. He debuted in the season opener against Salford City and scored his first goal for the O's in a 1-1 draw with Bradford City on February 1st. A key figure in the 2022/23 season, he made 42 appearances, including a crucial goal in a 2-1 win over Stockport County. Pratley has since signed one-year extensions in both 2023 and 2024, entering his 22nd professional season.
Key Player
Currently on loan at Leyton Orient from Queens Park Rangers, Charlie Kelman made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut in the O’s 2-1 defeat to Bolton Wanderers. The young striker is no stranger to Brisbane Road, having previously played a key role in Leyton Orient’s League Two title-winning campaign in 2022-23. This familiarity has helped the 22-year-old settle in comfortably during his second stint with the club.
Kelman started the 2023-24 season with his parent club, Queens Park Rangers, where he made 11 appearances in the Championship. He then spent the latter half of the season on loan at Wigan Athletic, making 14 appearances and contributing three goals and one assist. His return to Leyton Orient is seen as a valuable addition, as he looks to build on his previous success with the O’s.