Orient History: That Was The Week That Was

On Tuesday 8 September 2026, Orient supporters were anticipating the next eight days (three home games in different competitions – Carabao Cup, League One and the Vertu Trophy) with some optimism after four points picked up from two away games. Fast forward to 9pm on Tuesday 15 September. Defeat to a very young Arsenal team wrapped up three consecutive defeats and the optimism bubble had been well and truly burst.

I’ve been following the Os for almost six decades and after weeks like this I often think back to what was probably (and I know it’s a high bar) the worst ever eight-day sequence of results. I’m talking about 16th to 23rd October 1982 (a week in which I entered my twenties). Three games, three defeats, 14 goals conceded….