Next page 1966-67 Previous page 1965 Peter rates Coventry as the best footballing side we have met this season—though he bases that on their League Cup win at Leyton Stadium. And he says of his future: “I hope it will be at wing half. But wherever it is. everything is directed towards football. “My only other sporting relaxation is the occasional game of squash.” We lost 5-0 away to Manchester City (11 December), 2-1 away to Middlesbrough (27 December) where Allen got his second goal of the season, and 2-1 loss away at Wolves (1 January) where Dave Metchick scored, but not before Sexton had resigned. Games against Middlesbrough and Norwich were postponed. When Sexton joined Orient they were still suffering the backlash of their Division One trip. He proved that you cannot get rid of seven players and replace them with another seven and expect them to perform as a team. He joins the growing band of soccer managers that cannot run a club on a shoestring. With cash behind him he went on to become a successful man- ager. One would like to think this was because of his 'apprenticeship' at Leyton Orient.   Not for the first time, but what was to be the last time, Les Gore stepped into the acting-manager role. It was he that signed Dave Metchick in his last spell in this position and by the end of the season had signed George O'Brien from Southampton, Mick Jones from Chelsea, and Dick Le Flem from from Middlesbrough. To bal- ance the books for these signings they later sold Dave Webb to Southampton. We drew 1-1 (Nicholas) at home to Cardiff (8 January). This is my first programme with a blank space beside manager. The Reserves lost 0-3 to Reading where one of their scorers from the spot was former O Terry McDonald. The Colts at Brentford won 1-4 with Wigg 2, O’Rouke and Sellick the scorers. Team in the programme: Rouse, Forsyth, Webb, Smith, Ferry, Sorrell, Price, Allen, Flatt, Metchick, Nicholas. This is the last programme I have with the white sash. SPOTLIGHT ON JIMMY McGEORGE His rich North-East accent is one of the most distinctive sounds around Leyton Stadium. He is the “ exile ” who has kept a connection with Sunderland Since the day he arrived at Orient. For our part, we like JIMMY McGEORGE for his pleasant personality . . . and look on him as a player rich in prom- ise and potential for the future. Jimmy, Sunderland-born and a former amateur with the famous Roker club, is a 20-year-old who joined Orient as a professional two years ago. An inside forward or winger— ‘I prefer it inside, but Orient reckon I’m a better winger — he made ten first team appearances last season and has had five games as first choice at outside right this term. Jimmy recalls his decision to take the train South two years ago by saying :“I was playing with Spennymoor United in the Northern League at the time. Middlesbrough, Bury and Orient were all showing an in- terest in me. Benny Fenton, who was then Orient’s manager, persuaded me I would have a better chance if I came to London. I’m very happy with the Orient and it certainly seems to have worked out that way. I made my League debut at Huddersfield last season and I don’t think I'd have got a first team chance so soon with one of the big clubs. The only thing that bothers me is that in the 15 first team games I’ve played, I haven’t managed to score a goal. That’s a ‘ duck ’ I aim to break as soon as I get another chance.” Jimmy—like all of us—is “choked” about Orient’s run of bad results. But he adds: “It’s got to get better after all the hard work that’s gone into things this season. Our luck must change soon.” Sunderland, of course, has an influence—past and present—on Jimmy’s young life. As a schoolboy he often watched the Roker team. And he tells us: “‘ George Herd, Sunderland’s Scottish International inside forward, had one of his biggest admirers in me. I’ve always rated him a tremendous player. He’s got such fantastic skill with the ball.” Jimmy shares “digs” in North London with Gordon Ferry — our very consistent centre half and another North-Easterner. Says Jimmy: ‘“Gordon’s home is five minutes away from where my parents live in Sunderland. He’s proved a real pal since arriving at the Orient. “And the digs we’re in are great. The landlady is from Sunderland, and she’s just like a mother to us. It’s a home from home.” A home, too, that has a useful handyman in Jimmy. He explains: ‘I used to work in a woodwork fact- ory. Any jobs that need to be done around the house are right up my street.” We lost 3-0 away at Bury (15 January) and went out of the FA Cup at home to Norwich (22 January) 3-1 (Price). The programme re- verted to the one with Dave Dunmore heading Orient into the lead against Swansea 11/1/64. Team in the programme: Rouse, Forsyth, Webb, Smith, Ferry, Sorrell, Price, Carter, Flatt, Metchick, Nicholas. Away at Huddersfield (29 January) Orient drew 1-1, Dave Webb getting our goal. At home to Crystal Palace (5 February) the team was: Davies, Forsyth, Webb, Carter, Ferry, Sorrell, Price, Metchick, Flatt, Smith and Nicholas. We lost 2-0. Arthur Rowe had re- placed Dick Graham as Palace manager. TALKING TO GORDON FERRY They call it “the hot-bed of soccer” .... the North-East. An area that has two of the game’s great clubs in Newcastle and Sunderland. An area where foot- ball is almost a religion. An area that consistently produces a crop of fine players. To Orient via Sunderland—the city not the club—has come GORDON FERRY. And we're very grateful, thank you. Centre half Gordon, just 22, made a five-year stop at Arsenal on the way. We signed him last summer... . and this season has only confirmed that we made a first-class capture. “ Hot-bed of soccer?” Gordon explains: “ Arsenal’s scout in the North-East saw me playing for a local junior side. I came down to Highbury for a trial and stayed to sign as an apprentice professional. “He was the same scout who discovered George Armstrong for the Arsenal. They are soccer fanatics in the part of Sunderland where I come from. Tommy Mitchinson—who re- cently moved from Sunderland to Mansfield—lived about 200 yards from my home. “And Jimmy McGeorge, Orient’s winger, is from just up the road. In fact, we share digs together in North London.” Gordon says of his spell with Arsenal: “'They’re a great club, but I don’t think I really settled down there. I played ten First Division games last season, but I had asked for a transfer before then and was told they wouldn’t let me go. When Ian Ure was signed from Dundee, I asked again. I felt that with Terry Neill also chasing the centre half spot, I would have a better chance of establishing myself at another club”. Gordon adds about events since then: “I haven’t regretted coming to the Orient. It’s a friendly club and the players are a terrific bunch of lads. The ball just hasn’t run for us this season. Honestly, we're a much bet- ter side than our position in the table suggests.” And Gordon’s last word: ‘“ We’re not down yet—not by any means.”   A first! Orient grabbed their first away win of the season. A block busting header from Dave Webb gave us our first goal, a harsh tackle on the same player saw Dawson (Les? no, it must be Alex) booked. A harsh penalty decision meant PNE (19 February) drew level. But skipper Smith saw Metchick latch onto his free kick for the winner. Twenty one year old full back Mick Jones signed for Orient. The Monte Fresco photo (right) in the Daily Mirror saw Jones signing on with, in the background, a blackboard reading 'Leyton Orient played 27 won 3 lost 17 drawn 7 points 13. The headline was 'The Jones boy joins soccer's happy club'. About this time Cliff Holton was moving from Watford to Charlton and Gerry Queen from St Mirren to Kilmarnock. By my reckoning Jones made his début at home against Charlton (26 February) (but the Big Rd Book tells me it was away at Plymouth) who were a place above us by some six points. The headline in the Evening Standard (still having a Saturday evening edition) was 'Holton gives Orient worry, first in attack then in defence'. Keith Peacock scored the opening goal, Nicholas put us level but Ron Saunders got the winner for Athletic. Charlton's manager, Bob Stokoe, had appoin- ted former Palace boss Dick Graham as coach. Stokoe had been appointed from Bury. Grand Opening meeting at the Hackney Wick Speedway was announced for 1st April. The Hawks v Newport. Programme team: Rouse, Webb, Worrall Carter, Ferry, Sorrell, Price, Metchick, Flatt, Smith, McGeorge. SPOTLIGHT ON HARRY GREGORY Look somewhere along the back of the main stand tonight, and you'll see HARRY GREGORY ... . cheering on the Orient, but probably lamenting the cruel luck that has made this a season he would sooner forget. A hard-to-explain lack of form and minor knocks have seen him fail to establish himself at a time when we so obviously need the finesse and finish he is capable of providing. But the bitterest blow of all came ten days ago. Harry went to Whipps Cross Hospital for X-ray, after injuring a leg in a re- serve game—and was found to have a hairline fracture. It will keep him sitting on the sidelines for at least three weeks. But it won't stop the infectious grin and Cockney humour that has made Hackney boy Harry one of our favourite characters since he joined us six years ago. Harry, a lean, dark-haired 21-year-old, takes up the story :“I was play- ing centre forward for Hackney Schoolboys and going to see Orient or Spurs whenever I had the chance. One day, Hackney came to Leyton Stadium to play a Star Shield game. Les Gore, who was in charge at that time, too, saw the match and invited me to join the ground staff. I jumped at the chance, and I must say that signing for the Orient is something I’ve never really regretted. I was 17 when I made my debut for the League team—at inside right against Ipswich in the First Division. We lost 2—1, but I scored our goal and manager Johnny Carey seemed quite happy with my display. That season up among the top clubs was an experience. There are some wonderfully skilful players in the First Division. It was in that season that I came up against the centre half who, in my opinion, is the best of them all—Jackie Charlton, of Leeds. “He is hard and robust, but fair. Jackie also uses the ball well when he gets it. Yes, I'd say he’s the tops among those I've met. That season in the First Division provides most of my out standing memories. Like the time we went to Liverpool and were beaten 5—0. But it was a wonderful game, and the atmosphere at Anfield was electric. They're certainly the best crowd in football. It was a tragedy when we went down. It might seem Strange to say it now, but I reckon that side was the best I’ve ever played in “Now, we're fighting hard to hold on in the Second Division And my aim is to get fit as soon as possible and battle my way back into the side.”    George O'Brien and Dick Le Flem were signed in time to play in the 1-1 draw at Plymouth (12 March) where Gregory converted a pen- alty. Dave Webb departed to Southampton.   A goalless draw at home to Portsmouth (19 March) Programme team: Rouse, Jones, Worrall Sorrell, Ferry, Smith, Flatt, O’Brien, Gregory, Metchick, Le Flem sub Carter. It was followed by a 2-0 defeat at Bolton (26 March) and another goalless draw against Norwich (28 March) at home. Team: Rouse, Jones, Worrell, Sorrell, Ferry, Allen, Price, Smith, Flatt, Metchick, McGeorge. The programme was trumpeting the merit of Colts players, Went, Commons and 16 year-old inside forward Dennis Rofe who was booked for a Combination chance in the near future. Plus high hopes for goalkeeper Steve Bodell [Bowtell]. Playing in the Combination would be discon- tinued next season in favour of the Mid-Week League due to economy.   "Sent off Orient pair not guilty" greeted the second away win of the season, this time at Derby (2 April). Dennis Sorrell and then Colin Worrell were sent off in the closing 10 minutes in a 3-1 victory. Both players had been previously booked and both were flat on their backs when sent off! Metchick was described as "a mighty atom in the mud" as he crashed home a left foot drive and headed home a Le Flem cross and in between passed a lovely ball to Le Flem to score. Derby's reply was from Eddie Thomas. The team, including marks for performance from the News of the World were, Rouse 6, Jones 6, Ferry 7, Allen 6, Worrell 7, Sorrell 7, Smith 7, Price 5, Flatt 5, Metchick 8, Le Flem 6. Sorrell was sub. O'Brien was bought into the team for the visit of Ipswich (8 April), (fielding Cyril Lea and Dave Harper) but we lost 4-1 (Le Flem). Team according to my notes: Rouse, Jones, Worrall, Smith, Ferry allen, Price, O’Brien, Flatt, Metchick, Le Flem, sub Sorrell. The colts were six points behind the leaders Arsental in sixth place.   The game against Southampton was postponed so the next match was again against Ipswich. I paid 10/- to travel on the support- ers coach and saw Dave Metchick score two goals as Ipswich (11 April) scored three. Team: with my changes: Rouse, Jones, Worrell, Sorrell, Ferry, Carter, Price, O’Brien, Smith, Metchick, Le Flem sub Allen. Le Flempulled a muscle just before half time.After the match we were told Insist on Tolly Cobbold Ales. Your local Beers are Best. A 1-0 defeat at Carlisle (15 April) was followed by a match that should never have taken place. Torrential rain all day on Monday 18th April 1966 was not enough to deter referee Wallace to call off the match. It did deter all but 2,286 supporters. I well remember Terry Price taking a corner at the Brisbane Road/Coronation Gardens edge of the ground. As he stepped back to take the kick the ball floated back into touch. Price managed to score two goals in the mud bath but Boro managed three. The team: Rouse, Jones, Worrell, Smith, Ferry, Sorrell, Price, O'Brien, Flatt, Metchick, and Le Flem. Sub Allen. Again the programme editor had an off day but what he was trying to tell us (I think) was that Steve Bowtell had played for England against Ireland keeping a clean sheet win- ning 2-0. The spotlight was on Mick Jones. Here is the article: MICK JONES is the “ Pathfinder ” who zoomed in on Orient & couple of months ago ... and in next to no time established him self at full back in our League side. “ Pathfinder?” Well, this is Mick's story... “The Pathfinders are a youth club in Slough. I was playing for them when Fulham scout Eddie Perry spotted me. “ Seven of us were invited to go to Craven Cottage for a trial. Mick Brown, who is now with Millwall, and me were given the chance to join Fulham. “ Tho Pathfinders seem to make a habit of producing professional footballers. Ron Hunt, the Queen’s Park Rangers centre half, started with them too. “I was a wing half then. I played in that position for Slough Boys and had games in the County side at inside forward and outside right. “In fact, it’s funny the way my career has gone. My first two seasons at Fulham were spent as a wing half in the Juniors. Thea I converted to full back and got my chance in the first team at inside right. “I’ll never forget it. We played Reading in the League Cup and lost 3-1. It was a diabolical game and the end of my days as an inside forward. “I had four years with Fulham, couldn’t seem to dislodge George Cohen from the first team that’s something I defy anybody to do !and asked for a move. “When a transfer came, it was just across West London to Chelsea. I had a year at Stamford Bridge, couldn’t seem to make much headway, and when Orient came and signed me on February 8th, I couldn’t have been more pleased. “I’m at last getting a chance to ‘have a real go’ in League football, and it’s great.” Mick, still only 21, remembers Ronnie Allen as his schoolboy idol. He recalls: “I lived in the Midlands as a youngster. I fancied myself ag an up-and-coming centre forward and I suppose at that time it wag natural that I should reckon Ronnie Allen as one of the greatest, I first saw him when I was four years old. I sat on my Father’s shoulders and watched West Bromwich Albion beat Cardiff 1-0. Allen scored.” : “ Pathfinder ” Mick, we hope, has now settled for a long stay at Orient.   We held Coventry (23 April) to a 1-1 draw at home. Not bad considering O's were bottom and the Sky Blues were 4th in the table. Allen replaced Smith, Gregory occupied the No. 10 shirt while Metchick, the goalscorer, replaced Le Flem at 11. Paul Went was the substitute. Team with changes: Rouse, Jones, Worrell, Allen, Ferry, Sorrell, Price, O’Brien, Flatt, Gregory, Metchick sub Went. Reports from this games, Preston away and Manchester City at home are here.   Somehow I managed to get a complimentary ringside ticket for the match at Bristol City (30 April). The coach fare was £1 and AMHurst 6622 (travel secretary, the late Dennis Braebrook's number I believe) was the number to ring for your coach reserva- tions. We lost 2-0. Team: Rouse, Jones, Worrell, Allen, Ferry, Sorrell, Price, Carter, Smith, Metchick, and, making his début and his last game for the O's was Tommy Jenkins. Went was the substitute. Jenkins later played for Southampton and Reading.   Manchester City were top of the table on 53 points, Leyton Orient on the bottom with 20 when they met at Brisbane Road on May 7th. City fielded Harry Dowd, Mike Summerbee, a £35,000 signing from Swindon, and transfer deadline signing Colin Bell (£45,000) from Bury. "Gregory class saves Orient" said one paper. A deflected own goal by Sorrell was equalised by Metchick. Orient were the best team in the first half and in the second half Bell put City ahead again but O's came back through Smith. "If Orient had another forward in the Gregory class, they might have won. But Smith, apart from his goal, had a poor game and so did Le Flem" continued the paper. By then Leyton Orient were relegated to Division Three having only 21 points. Their nearest "rivals" were Middlesbrough on 33.   The last match of the season was again a promotion issue. The programme was from the postponed match 9 April. Southampton (9 May) needed at least a point to go up, and they got it. The Daily Mirror described Orient's performance as 'possibly their finest hour of the season". They went one up through Peter Allen. Terry Paine headed their equaliser. Martin Chivers and David Webb played for the Saints. Southampton report. Reports for the last two matches.  The spotlight this match was on Dick Le Flem. Here is the article: DICK LE FLEM The Channel Islands Import. It may not be a claim to fame, but we don’t know of any other played who can truthfully say: “ I had to become a professional footballer before 1 saw a League game.” But then you wouldn’t exactly call the Channel Islands a hotbed of soccer. And that's where Dick Le Flem, our new England Under-23 winger comes from. Contrary to popular belief, however, Dick wasn’t born there. He explains : “ My family are Guernsey people, but when the war came they moved to Wiltshire to escape the German occupation of the Channel Islands. I was born at Bradford-on-Avon, near Bath. * As soon as the war finished we moved back to Guernsey, and that’s where I grew up and went to school. “I played football at local level, always as a winger, and when I was 17 1 was spotted by a Nottingham Forest scout. In fact, I signed for Forest at the same time as Geoff Vowden now with Birmingham who was a near neighbour of mine. *“ The same scout sent Billy Whare to Forest and Ron Farmer to Coventry. So I haven’t been the only Channel Islander to make good in the game in recent years. “ Naturally, living in Guernsey, didn’t give me the chance to see any of the stars in action except on television. That’s why I had to wait until I was a Forest player before seeing a League game. “I had five years at Forest . five very happy years. During that time I was capped at England Under-23 level and played under three dif- ferent managers Billy Walker, Andy Beattie and Johnny Carey. “It was Mr. Carey who transferred me to Wolves in exchange for Alan Hinton. At the time it seemed a good move. Wolves, with their his- tory and crowd appeal, were a great club. I knw now it was a mistake to leave Forest. “I stayed 13 months at Wolves and then moved on to Middlesbrough. I was never really happy there. "There were four established left wingers on the books, and I couldn't have been more delighted when the chance came to come South and sign for Orient. “There seems to be a wonderful spirit in the club, and I’m really looking forward to the future.” Certainly, we will be surprised if Dick is ever late for training. He is in digs no more than a corner-kick away from the ground ! We finished bottom on 23 points. Also relegated were Middlesbrough on 33 just one point from safety. Andy Nelson had moved to Plymouth and in June a new era was to start. Dick Graham became the 4th Leyton Orient manager of the 1960's and England won the World Cup on my birthday.      Next page 1966-1967. Previous page 1965-1966.