Episode 3 - Simon Cooper "The Rise and Fall of Leyton Orient"

From play-off heartbreak and double relegation to the verge of bankruptcy and the depths of the National League, The Fall and Rise Of Leyton Orient is the story of a community who fought back.

It's Saturday, 22 April 2023. Everyone is talking about Wrexham AFC winning the National League. Meanwhile, in east London, Leyton Orient are quietly securing the League Two title. And their story is even better ...

It's the story of a club saved by a lifelong fan then an inspirational manager, Justin Edinburgh, who took them back into the Football League as champions; of heartbreak when five weeks later Edinburgh died at the age of 49; then of a club rebuilt again, winning another title with a new manager looking for a home, Richie Wellens.

It's an inspiring story of larger-than-life characters who made a difference for good or bad - players, fans, owners and charlatans. It's also a tale of religion, redemption, triumph and tragedy - a football story like no other.

We spoke to the author Simon Cooper about everything above in his newly published book.

Hope you enjoy and if in doubt “Turn it round the corner”

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