Football Season Guide

Last season was supposed to be Leyton Orient’s tricky second season back in League One. For a while it looked like being exactly that but then it changed completely. Manager Richie Wellens was under real pressure when the O’s avoided an embarrassing F.A. Cup exit to Boreham Wood in a penalty shoot-out. Four months later they were hosting Manchester City at Brisbane Road. The season finished at Wembley, where they were beaten by Charlton Athletic in the League One play-off final. Wellens has signed a new, improved long-term contract this summer and it illustrates just how quickly things can change in football sometimes. Another reminder comes from the starting XI that were edged out by the Addicks. Only four of those players remain at the club. The biggest loss by far is striker Charlie Kelman. His form in 2025 was simply sensational, finishing as the divisions leading goalscorer, but he has returned to parent club Queens Park Rangers following the end of his season-long loan. Midfielder Ethan Galbraith was signed for nothing in the summer of 2023 and has been sold to Swansea City for a £1.5m fee. Midfielder Jordan Brown and striker Dan Agyei are also notable departures whilst goalkeeper Josh Keeley, left-back Jack Currie and striker Jamie Donley have returned to their parent clubs. Wellens has therefore faced a summer rebuilding job simply out of necessity. The highlight is clearly the return of midfield playmaker Idris El Mizouni, who was a real fans favourite during his first spell at the club. Goalkeeper Tommy Simkin arrives on a season-long loan from Stoke City having shown plenty of promise whilst on loan at Walsall last season. Strikers Aaron Connolly and Josh Koroma, the latter also returning for his second spell, meanwhile face the unenviable task of replacing Kelman’s goal tally.