New Leyton Orient owner David Gandler has told fans bruised by the past that they are right to be skeptical and the American media investor insists his awareness of the club’s recent history means sustainability is the top priority as they eye a return to the Championship.
The Os can seal a League One play-off spot if they match Reading’s result on Saturday and Gandler, whose 78 per cent purchase was announced last weekend, says “the goal, without putting a timeline on it, is to progress to the Championship.”
But having been reminded by the supporters he has met of their recent difficult history, including two relegations in three seasons plus a winding-up order under ex-owner Francesco Bechetti, the TV executive says: “My message is you can remain skeptical because trust is earned.
“This is an amazing club and the people around it have made it very clear what happened between 2014 and 2017. That’s why it’s very important for us to maintain continuity. This is not about achieving certain levels really quickly. We’ll continue to do everything we can to ensure the club remains on track but doesn’t spend recklessly.”
Gandler previously owned a stake in French second-tier side Paris FC and made his money through the streaming service Fubo.tv.
His interest in Orient was piqued last December when introduced to outgoing majority shareholder Nigel Travis by a mutual friend.
Club saviour Travis, 77, stepped in after Bechetti’s sunk the club to non-League and will remain as chairman plus keep a minority stake.
Gandler plans to visit from his New York base half a dozen times next season and will be happy to work quietly behind the scenes. “I’m playing a supporting role,” he added, stressing that the “heritage” of the club must remain central.
Orient do hold ambitious expansion plans. They are in talks with the local council around a new stadium, which would ideally be double the capacity of Brisbane Road’s 9,200, while they are also exploring options around a new training ground.
Chief executive Mark Devlin added: “We’ve been speaking to the council for a few months. We’re looking at 17- to 20,000. We’re looking at a number of sites but we’re very cognisant of the fact we’re Leyton Orient and if at all possible stay in Leyton but definitely in the borough of Waltham Forest.”
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