Ian Hendon wants to bring stability back to Leyton Orient after he was appointed as the club’s new head coach.
Hendon, a former Orient captain who also played at various levels of The Football League for Notts County, Northampton Town and Sheffield Wednesday, amongst others, takes over after Fabio Liverani’s departure.Liverani was appointed in December but, after only eight wins in his 27 games in charge, Orient dropped into Sky Bet League 2 just a year after they were on the verge of the Championship, losing to Rotherham United on penalties in the League 1 Play-Off Final.
Hendon will now take the reins at Orient and he believes his past experiences will stand him in good stead.
“I hope to be able to bring some stability to the club and help rebuild after the disappointment of last season,” the 43-year-old, who had been working as a coach at West Ham United, told Orient’s official website.
“Promotion is the priority, but reconnecting with the fans is also important. Having met the President, I was impressed with his own long-term plans for the club, and I can't wait to get started.
"I've got a lot of experience of the lower leagues, having played at every level during my career and worked in League 2 as player/manager, but having spent a few years working in the Premier League I have learnt a huge amount that will stand me in good stead for this new challenge.
"Orient is a club that means a great deal to me – I hope that fans will remember the commitment I showed as a player, and know they can expect the same dedication from me as head coach.”