Leyton Orient

Club History

Who are Leyton Orient?

Now, we’ve a fair bit to get through with the Os; not least because their name itself isn’t what you’d call ‘usual’ in footballing terms. But, we’ll give it a go anyway. The club’s existence owes much to cricket; the club formed by cricket club members in 1881. First, it was Eagle Cricket Club (1886); ‘Orient’ first came about in 1888. Now, there’s plenty on Wikipedia that we don’t need (or want) to repeat. We will, however, wrap up the evolution of their name: Clapton Orient (1898), Leyton Orient (1937), Orient (1966) and back to Leyton Orient (1987).

In 1905, the Os became members of the Football League for the first time. In the long stretch of time between then and relegation to the Conference last term, the club has only two titles to its name: Division Three South in 1955-6 and Division Three in 1969-70. Yet, this doesn’t quite do the Os full justice. In the 1961-2 Division Two campaign, the club came second behind Liverpool and earned promotion to the top flight. Although the return to Div Two was immediate, they let in the same number of goals as Man Utd (81) – and 20 fewer than Man City!

Why do we know the Os?

Our first meeting with the Os was before we made it into the Football League. Yet, this was December 1996 – and you can well argue that we should have been a League side at this point in time. It didn’t hinder us, mind you; Boro’ upsetting the Os on their own patch in FA Cup Round Two. Peter Shilton (yeah, that one) should’ve seen red, but that’s almost beside the point now. And that was that for the next 15 years; Boro’s efforts to win the Conference title a second time taking that long to come to fruition. Good things come to those who wait…

How to get to Leyton Orient

By Car

By Road

Located in the east end of London, this trip first involves heading south on the A1(M) to join the clockwise M25. Come off at Junction 24, taking the fourth exit at the roundabout for the A111. Keep going on this road until you’re in New Southgate, before turning right onto Osidge Lane (B1453).

Facing the Osidge Arms pub on a roundabout, take the first exit for Hampton Way. Go straight over the next two roundabouts, before taking the first exit at the third to go left onto Wilmer Way (B1452). Just a short toot onwards, it’s a right onto Powys Lane.

As the road snakes round to the right, bear left onto Broomfield Lane and go across one roundabout onto Oakthorpe Road. This comes past Palmers Green Mosque; shortly after which you’ll be turning onto the A406 North Circular. Stay on here for about 5.5 miles, before coming off for the A104.

At this junction, take the third exit on the roundabout for the A104 and stay on this road. When you get to Knotts Green, bear left for Leyton Green Road (B159); taking this into Leyton. Go left to stay on the B159 in a third of a mile, before turning left onto the A112. After nearly a mile, take a right (Windsor Road) and then left for Brisbane Road.

By Rail

By Rail

Station: LEYTON
Services to: LONDON LIVERPOOL STREET

The walk from Leyton tube station is a short one and won’t take you very long at all. Head north on High Road Leyton/A112 and turn left onto Osborne Road after around 0.2 miles.

Parking

Parking

No parking is available at the ground, which isn’t exactly uncommon. As a residential area, the temptation is to park on-street. And there are some spaces to find. But these are extremely limited in number. In all fairness, the car isn’t a great option for the Os away. Public transport really does have a lot to offer here, even if you drive part of the way.