Martin Ling has made a welcomed return to Leyton Orient after the club appointed him as director of football.

Yesterday, it was revealed long life Orient Fan Nigel Travis completed the purchase of the club as the head of Eagle Investments 2017 Ltd.

The chairman revealed yesterday they would reveal a 'football announcement' as he starts to rebuild the club after the three-year tenure of Italian Francesco Becchetti.

Ling played for the O's between 1996 and 2000 before becoming the first team boss in December 2003.

He entered the history books as the led the O's into League One on the final day of the 2005/06 season.

Chairman Travis told the club website: “I am delighted to announce that Martin Ling, who eleven years ago led the Club to League One, has accepted the position as the Club’s Director of Football.

“Martin’s immediate goals are to develop the squad for next season and appoint a first team coach.

“His deep ties to the Club will help him build on Leyton Orient’s heritage of developing strong young talent through its academy,” he continued.

“Longer-term, along with the new management team, Martin is committed to return Leyton Orient to its winning days.”

The O's are also looking to appoint a Chief Executive who along with Ling will deal with the day-to-day commercial running of the club.

Marshall Taylor, a local businessman and long-time Orient fan, has taken on the role as Interm Chief Executive.