16 March 2024

The Circus Upstairs podcast Season Two


The Circus Upstairs podcast Season Two is live! 

Listen here: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/west-stand-o

This is the story of how Italian billionaire Francesco Becchetti bought Leyton Orient and almost put the club out of existence, told by club insiders and pieced together by me and James Masters. In Season Two we wade our way through the 2015/16 campaign. 

Here's a list of links and other references to some of the stories from Season Two:

Episode 5: "We made some mistakes"  

Story suggesting Becchetti is considering selling the club

The State of Albania issues arrest warrants for Becchetti and his mother for fraud. 

Press conference with Ian Hendon and Alessandro Angelieri announcing Hendon's appointment. 


Becchetti goes super-fan



Orient Outlook podcast interview with Alessandro Angelieri.  


Episode 6: Banged up in Waltham Abbey  

Ian Hendon publicly blames players after 0-1 defeat to Accrington Stanley.

Becchetti faces initial hearing over extradition to Albania to face fraud charges. 


Guardian story on the squad being imprisoned in a hotel after defeat at Hartlepool. 


Episode 7: A £40,000 kick up the arse   

Ian Hendon squares up to a fan after a 1-1 draw with AFC Wimbledon.



Hessenthaler's post-match interview after being kicked up the arse by Becchetti. 


Orient appoint an Italian TV broadcast journalist as Technical Director. 


Ian Hendon interview after a 3-1 home defeat to Exeter, publicly blaming players. 


Episode 8: Roberto rides again    

Kevin Nolan interview on becoming player/manager of Orient. 

Rob Gagliardi returns as Head of Recruitment. 

Francesco Becchetti's video address to Orient fans after removing Nolan as manager. 

Scott Kashket interview on how he was treated at Orient.