At the beginning of the week, LOFT approached the club's Chief Executive, Matt Porter, to try and ascertain the facts behind media reports about Leyton Orient and the Olympic Stadium. Specifically, we wanted know whether a deal had already been made in practice or in principle regarding moving to the stadium after the 2012 Olympics, and what consultation will be taking place with supporters.
We're pleased to see that the club has now made a statement on the official website, spelling out the current position; namely, that it has entered into preliminary discussions, but has yet to begin formal negotiations. The reply received from Matt Porter echoes the club's statement, including the pledge to "undertake a full consultation process", and also notes that, in that process, "supporters are at the top of the list".
LOFT calls upon the club to carry out that pledge; whilst it is right and proper that initial discussions between the club and the Olympic authorities take place behind closed doors, the fact is that there are arguments for and against leaving Brisbane Road, Orient's home for the past 70 years, and these arguments should be debated between the club and supporters in an open environment at the earliest opportunity that the move could be feasible.
LOFT itself has not yet formed an opinion regarding the Olympic Stadium, and its members are currently discussing this issue on the members-only e-mail discussion forum. Click here to join LOFT and help inform the debate.
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