Leyton Orient Fans' Trust Official Website

LOFT's Annual General Meeting took place yesterday evening in the Supporters Club, with some 75 O's fans in attendance - a number of whom joined LOFT on the night. Once the formal AGM business was concluded, Leyton Orient manager Geraint Williams took over the mic to answer questions from those present for over 90 minutes.

Among the highlights of the questions 'George' was asked:

• He signed Scott McGleish because he needed a leader and a character up front, but didn't expect him to be as prolific in front of goal as he has been - he wishes Scotty was 26, not 36 (as do we all!);
• Matthew Briggs was very unlucky not to feature again after his loan spell debut against Yeovil, and if there is an injury/suspension in defence then both Briggs and Fulham are more than happy for him to come back on loan;
• Both Briggs and Nicky Adams loved their time on loan at Orient, and the club are trying to build a reputation as a good place for people to come on loan;
• George described the O's squad: "They're as honest and hard-working a bunch of lads I've ever worked with";
• The club are looking to improve the scouting network locally so that boys in Waltham Forest are more likely to be spotted by Orient first than picked up by other London clubs;
• George would be very amenable to a suggestion from Joe Durston of a pre-season tour to Cork City, provided the facilities are right for training (we fully expect a Sunshine Tour should this happen!).

A full write-up of the Q&As will be made available to LOFT members shortly.

George received a very warm ovation at the end of the evening, especially after he voluntarily extended the finish time despite an early start the next day for the long trip to Tranmere.

LOFT would like to thank everyone who came along for helping make this a very successful and enjoyable meeting, the Supporters Club for their usual excellent hospitality, Matt Porter and Leo Tyrie for their help in setting up and publicising the event, and especially George for agreeing to come along and for answering all of the questions with such honesty and good humour.

AGM business

The meeting received the Chair's report, noting among other things the ongoing issues facing LOFT regarding club chairman Barry Hearn's desire to sell the club, and the need to increase LOFT membership to demonstrate our depth of representation of the Orient fanbase.

The meeting also received the Treasurer's report, noting the increase in income from last year due to an increase in membership numbers. LOFT's retained funds currently stand at just under £4,000. The meeting also noted its thanks to Frank Dongworth for once again carrying out the Independent Examination of LOFT's accounts at no cost, which otherwise would be a relatively large cost to bear for a society of LOFT's size. The Resolution to not require a full audit and continue with an Independent Examination for the year ending May 2010 was carried in full.

Paul Arnup, Jonathan Kaye, Tom Davies and Keith Hallam all stood down from the committee as per LOFT's rules, and all four stood for re-election and were elected. James Cassidy stood for election to the committee and was elected.

James Cassidy updated the meeting on plans for recruitment during the season, and also read out a statement from LOFT member Ruth Townsley about administration.

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