the fall and rise of leyton orient: the fall and rise of leyton orient

From play-off heartbreak and double relegation to the verge of bankruptcy and the depths of the National League, Leyton Calling is the story of a community who fought back.

It’s Saturday, 22 April 2023. Everyone is talking about Wrexham AFC winning the National League. Meanwhile, in east London, Leyton Orient are quietly securing the League Two title. And their story is even better ...

It’s the story of a club saved by a lifelong fan then an inspirational manager, Justin Edinburgh, who took them back into the Football League as champions; of heartbreak when five weeks later Edinburgh died at the age of 49; then of a club rebuilt again, winning another title with a new manager looking for a home, Richie Wellens.

It’s an inspiring story of larger-than-life characters who made a difference for good or bad - players, fans, owners and charlatans. It’s also a tale of religion, redemption, triumph and tragedy - a football story like no other.

Simon Cooper is a writer, broadcaster and Leyton Orient season-card holder who is a regular on The Orient Hour. A former Dave and BBC Radio 1 producer, today he works as a social media professional and has been in the sector since it was called new media. He grew up supporting Manchester United until his mate took him to Leyton Orient at the age of 14 and told him you could buy a season ticket for £10.