League Two side Leyton Orient fans "plan to stage another protest ahead of their final home game of the season" on April 29, according to Lia Hervey of SKY SPORTS. The game, against Colchester United, is likely to be the team's last at the Matchroom Stadium before its relegation from the Football League -- it is "currently seven points adrift of safety with just three games left." Relegation will "mark the end of an unbroken 112-year spell in the Football League and fans will again demonstrate their opposition" to club Owner Francesco Becchetti. The rally will be attended by Leyton MP John Cryer, who is "attempting to secure a Parliamentary debate" about what he sees as a lack of effective rules governing the ownership of football clubs (SKY SPORTS, 4/20).
OUTSTANDING WAGES: In London, Alex Young reported Leyton Orient issued a statement demanding communication from Becchetti and its directors over the club's "continuing financial troubles." The club's staff "were due to be paid their outstanding wages on April 6 and have not only yet to receive them but also are without a new payment date." The statement "asks for more clarity over the situation as personal debts grow," with the Professional Footballers' Association "helping pay a portion of the players' wage bill last week" (EVENING STANDARD, 4/19). Also in London, Giuseppe Muro reported Leyton Orient was on Thursday morning "not confirming when staff will be paid, after club employees asked for assurances." Club COO Vito Miceli did not respond to a request for comment (EVENING STANDARD, 4/20).
