New chairman Nigel Travis makes first move as former player and manager returns to Brisbane Road
Leyton Orient have confirmed former manager Martin Ling has returned to the club as Director of Football and will start immediately.
Fresh from the news that a consortium led by Nigel Travis had purchased the O’s, the life-long fan has made his first official appointment as chairman.
Ling needs no introduction to Orient supporters having guided the team to promotion from League Two during the 2005/06 campaign.
The 50-year-old Londoner also played for O’s during his playing career before going on to manage the club for six years.
And now he will return to help Orient rebuild following a disastrous three years, which leaves them in the National League.
“I am delighted to announce that Martin Ling, who eleven years ago led the Club to League One, has accepted the position as the Club’s Director of Football,” chairman Nigel Travis told the official website.
“Martin’s immediate goals are to develop the squad for next season and appoint a first team coach.
“His deep ties to the club will help him build on Leyton Orient’s heritage of developing strong young talent through its academy.
“Longer-term, along with the new management team, Martin is committed to return Leyton Orient to its winning days.”
The club is also working to recruit an experienced Chief Executive, who along with Ling, will be responsible for the day-to-day commercial management of the club.
Marshall Taylor, a local businessman and long-time Orient fan, is serving as Interim Chief Executive.
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