Chief executive Alessandro Angelieri reveals Andy Hessenthaler will take over first team in the interim

Leyton Orient have decided Kevin Nolan should concentrate on his playing role at the club and given his managerial duties to assistant Andy Hessenthaler.

After numerous reports in the media last night and today, the League Two club have released the following statement through chief executive Alessandro Angelieri.

It reads: “Everyone at the club is fighting hard to make sure we reach the play-offs this season. Whilst that aim remains within reach, we have decided that Kevin should focus entirely on his playing contributions until the end of the season.

“We believe that Kevin will be able to make a bigger impact on the team without the distraction of managerial duties. Andy Hessenthaler, who has been assisting Kevin over the past few months, will take charge of the first team in the interim.”

It has been reported that first team goalkeeper coach Lee Harrison has been domoted to the academy, but that is yet to be confirmed.

Regardless, it is astonishing that the former West Ham United captain has been asked to give up his managerial duties after less than three months in charge.

While performances on the pitch haven’t been what he or fans expected, the club have shown a huge lack of faith in the 33-year-old.