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Leyton Orient were founded in 1881 as an offshoot of Glyn Cricket Club, adopting the name Orient FC in 1888.

Ten years later, the club changed its name to Clapton Orient FC in a bid to attract support from the prosperous Clapton area.

Election to the Football League

In 1905, Clapton Orient applied successfully for election to the Football League Second Division.

They had to apply for re-election after their first season, but thereafter began to establish themselves in Division Two.

Move to North London

The club was relegated to Division Three (South) in 1929 and, in 1937, it was decided to move to north London.

They continued to play as Clapton Orient until 1946 when the name was changed to the current form.

Promotion to Division One

In 1956 Orient won the Division Three (South) championship and in 1962 they were promoted to the First Division.

Out of their depth, the "O 's" were relegated after just one season and four years later, they were back in Division Three.

In November 1966, the club reverted to its original name of Orient FC (they would continue to play under that name until 1987, when Leyton Orient was re-adopted).

Third Division Champions

Orient won the Third Division championship in 1970 and returned to the Second Division where they remained for twelve years.

In 1978, they reached the FA Cup semi-finals, where they were eliminated by Arsenal.

Ups and Downs

By 1985 the club had dropped into the Fourth Division and they remained there until 1989 when they won promotion back to Division Three via the play-offs.

In 1995, with the club in financial crisis, Orient were relegated back to the lowest Division (now Division Three) again.

The "O 's" won promotion back to the third tier (League One) in 2006.

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