Leyton Orient sack Ian Hendon as Andy Hessenthaler takes over on an interim basis

Sacked: Hendon has left Brisbane Road
Pete Norton/Getty Images
James Benge18 January 2016

Leyton Orient have sacked head coach Ian Hendon, with Andy Hessenthaler set to take over on an interim basis.

Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Exeter City saw the early season League Two leaders slip further away from playoff contention after a run of just four wins in 21 games.

A statement on the club website confirmed: “Leyton Orient will make an announcement at such time as a new appointment is made.

“The coaching and management team will continue to focus on realising the full potential of the team and will be working intensively to enhance the Club's performance and position in the League.”

Hendon’s departure comes just days after the club president Francesco Becchetti received a six-match stadium ban from the FA.

The 49-year-old was also fined £40,000 for violent conduct after television pictures showed him kicking new interim manager Hessenthaler in a 3-2 home win over Portsmouth on Boxing Day.

Orient issued a statement on the charge saying: “In response to the charge brought by football¹s governing body, the Football Association, Mr Becchetti, Leyton Orient¹s President, admitted improper conduct, but strongly denied violent conduct. Mr Becchetti was also granted a personal hearing on request.

“Mr Becchetti however is deeply disappointed with the decision that has been taken by the Football Association Regulatory Commission, which he does not believe reflects the events on Boxing Day. Mr Becchetti will consider an appeal upon reviewing the written reasons of the Panel.”

Orient currently sit four points behind Accrington in the final playoff place though have played more games than the majority of the competitors.

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