Nobody knows what Francesco Becchetti’s plans are for the club, save for the owner himself. His withdrawal from attending matches and lack of response to the widespread negative media coverage about his stewardship – not to mention the justifiable calls for change – leaves the club in limbo and its supporters wondering what happens next.
Will he put the club up for sale, as we recently called for? Has he already been looking for a buyer, as rumoured in the media? Will he even ensure all the bills are paid between now and the end of the season?
Or will he sabotage his own failed "project" with one or more acts of financial vandalism? With all that has happened in the last 30 months, it would no longer be a surprise if he put some or all of the squad up for sale, or put the club into administration as soon as the next tax demand or VAT bill lands in the club's letterbox; or both.
Supporters are rightly concerned for the club’s future. We’re not yet in a position to update further on our disaster recovery work, as discussions must remain confidential, we can assure however that these discussions continue and that we will update members and the wider fanbase as soon as we can.
In the meantime, all O’s fans can show that they continue to ‘Stand Up for the Orient’ in the vital second half of the season. We urge fans to continue to come to Brisbane Road and give whatever team is put out their full support; above all else, to come together as one Orient family and show whoever may be out there watching that Leyton Orient is a club worth saving.
Starting with the next home match on 21 January, LOFT committee members aim to be available near the club shop on Oliver Road before every home match for the rest of the season; all supporters are welcome to ask questions about our work, offer to help the Trust with whatever comes next, or join LOFT if not already a member.
The past couple of years have been hard to take. Sadly, we think that even more difficult times lie ahead for the club and its supporters in the coming weeks and months. We hope we're wrong.
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