2004/2005 Preview - Leyton Orient

LAST SEASON

Guess what? Yep, Leyton Orient were in the mid table positions last season even though there finish was 19th. They were one of the teams, headed by us, that were separated by just six points at the end of the season.

WHAT HAVE THEY BEEN UP TO THIS SUMMER?

Martin Ling has declared transfer activity over for the summer after making these changes to his squad.

Out went Matthew Joseph, Ciaran Towner, Simon Downer and Chris Tate whilst coming in were Michael Simpson, Alan White, Wayne Carlisle and Lee Steele.

WHO ARE THEIR FAMOUS FANS?

Bob Mills, presenter on VH-1 together with Julian Lloyd Webber, him of the good looking parentage! And of course I suppose we should include Barry Hearn in this category as well?

5 THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT LEYTON

1. The name Leyton quite simply means town on the River Ley. However, since 1570 the river Ley has been known as Lee or Lea. What is it with these people and names - make your mind up and stick to it I say.

2. Leyton used to be in Essex but now is in the London Borough of Waltham Forest so not only can they make up their mind on what to call themselves they cannot make up their mind on where they want to be. No wonder they are confused

3. The web site I gleaned this info says that one of the biggest changes in the area has been the number of cars on the side streets. Really, welcome to the modern world.

4. The Golden Orient Curry House in Leytonstone Road has, every Wednesday a Curryoke competition which is a mixture of words between Curry and Karaoke. Clever eh?

5. If you are that way inclined, Waltham Forest runs a tree warden scheme where you can get training on subjects such as tree law not to mention the practical lesson in Lloyd Park where presumable you look at erm, trees?

ARE WE ANY GOOD AGAINST LEYTON ORIENT?

First they were known as Clapton Orient, then Leyton Orient, then Orient and then Leyton Orient again - Clapton Orient must be due again soon. Whatever the guise, we have met them on 72 occasions in all competitions, winning just 25 of those games with 19 draws. 95 goals for them, 90 for us but it was a league double last year if it's any consolation. For the full list of results, click here

WHEN DO WE PLAY THEM?

October 19 at the Vetch, February 12 at their place.

IF I WANT TO FIND OUT MORE WHERE DO I GO?

I can't really be bothered to look in detail so have a peek at the Rivals site below - tells you what you need to know but dont expect much message board banter

WHAT ARE THEIR CHANCES NEXT SEASON?

Slim to none I'm afraid. If they get above 20th I think they will have done well

Why not check out the latest Vetch Verdict on the BBC site?