O’s boss discusses Italian president coming out onto pitch, Moses Odubajo money and overall reception

It was somewhat of a surprise when Leyton Orient president Francesco Becchetti walked out onto the pitch at Brisbane Road before their League Two opener against Barnet on Saturday, but it appears to have gone down well.

Head coach Ian Hendon was pleased the Italian didn’t have any animosity aimed at him after insisting the O’s president is desperate to do well with the east Londoners.

Becchetti was accompanied on the pitch by his chief executive Alessandro Angelieri, football advisor Gianluca Romano and operations manager Vito Miceli as well as Hendon and it helped add to the party atmosphere before the Bees fixture.

Although last season may have been a huge disappointment for the O’s and their president, who has made mistakes, he was well received by the Orient faithful.

Hendon said: “Since I have been at the club the president has been fantastic, he has not said no to anything. He has been supportive and tried to back everything I have done since day one.

“We had the supporters forum the other night and I said exactly the same thing there. I was pleased there was no animosity towards him.

“All he has done since he has been here is put his hand in his pocket and will Leyton Orient to do well. From where I am coming from he has done exactly the same thing and continued to do that.”

The atmosphere at Brisbane Road was fantastic throughout Saturday’s match and that can only bode well for the future.

“I’ve been back a few times to watch a few games but the atmosphere here was brilliant,” added Hendon.

“The reception I got before the game was great. The players and the staff just want to go out and win games of football, especially at home.”

The transfer of former Orient ace Moses Odubajo was confirmed before the game and the O’s are set to receive 15 per cent of his £3.5 million transfer.

Hendon seemed jovial about the possibility of using those funds, but again reiterated how pleased he is with his current squad, adding: “Funny enough the president hasn’t told me how much is coming.

“I’m not worried about it because the squad we have at the moment is fine, I’m very happy with the way things are going and I am sure if I need to add any additions then the president will look after me.”