Leyton Orient have parted company with Head Coach Ross Embleton following a 3-1 defeat to Tranmere Rovers this weekend.
The defeat leaves the O’s in 14th in League Two and without a win in seven games, having scored only two goals in that period. A poor run of form that has ultimately cost Embleton his job.
“We Should Be Looking To Push On”
Orient Chairman Nigel Travis said: “This was an extremely difficult decision for us to make, and one which we have done with heavy hearts. He was an integral part of our National League success and he stood up to lead the team following the tragic loss of Justin Edinburgh.
“Ross is a bright young coach with a strong philosophy and some excellent ideas, but the board felt that with the investment made in the squad and the current situation in football that we should be looking to push on at an accelerated rate and unfortunately in recent weeks that has not happened.”
The 39-year-old started his career as a Youth Development Coach with the O’s before moving on to work at the academies of Tottenham Hotspur, AFC Bournemouth and Norwich City. Embleton then went onto take his first step into first team football as a coach at Swindon Town in 2015, before joining The O’s as Assistant Manager in 2018. He was officially announced as permanent Head Coach in January 2020 after three previous stints in an interim capacity.
“Bonkers”
Orient fans had plenty to say regarding the news with Twitter user Stephen Jones saying “Really sad to see it end up like this. Clearly a great guy who loves the club. All the best for the future Ross, Thanks for everything you did for the Orient.”
Really sad to see it end up like this. Clearly a great guy who loved the club. All the best for the future, Ross. Thanks for everything you did for the Orient.
— Stephen Jones (@SteveJonesPA) February 27, 2021
With another user ‘Jstands4Jay’ seemingly even more appalled by the decision stating; ‘Bonkers. Orient are 14th… Have won 11 games and aren’t in danger of relegation. Unreal.”
Bonkers. Orient are 14th….. Have won 11 games and aren't in Sanger of relegation. Unreal.
— Jay (@jstands4jay) February 27, 2021
“We Feel That The Play-Offs Are Still Within Reach”
Following Embleton’s departure, the O’s have confirmed that captain Jobi McAnuff will take over as Manager in an interim capacity. McAnuff, 39, joined The O’s in 2017 for his second spell at the club and captained the side to their promotion back to the Football League in 2019.
Speaking about the appointment, Travis said: “Jobi is a natural leader and someone we feel has got what it takes to make a top-class manager.
“As a Club we feel that the play-offs are still within reach for this season and we have made that clear to Jobi, who understands and agrees with us that it should remain our focus and target.
“His appointment gives us a degree of continuity but also a fresh approach for the final third of the season.”
McAnuff will be looking to get his managerial career off to the perfect start on Tuesday as the O’s travel to bottom of the table Grimsby Town.
