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Leyton Orient survival hopes hang by a thread as club’s would-be saviour Alan Bowers gives owner Francesco Becchetti a 24-hour deadline to sell

Former West Ham and Norwich player has made a £4m offer to buy out hated owner and take over relegated East Londoners

LEYTON ORIENT’S survival hopes are hanging by a thread after the club’s would-be saviour gave Italian owner Francesco Becchetti a 24-hour deadline to agree a deal.

Former West Ham and Norwich player Alan Bowers has made a £4million offer to buy out Becchetti and take over the relegated East Londoners.

 Francesco Becchetti has been given deadline to sell Leyton Orient
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Francesco Becchetti has been given deadline to sell Leyton OrientCredit: Getty Images

But the millionaire property developer and businessman fears Becchetti may be stringing him along.


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And after beginning to run out of time and patience, Bowers is prepared to walk away – leaving the O’s in the lurch – unless he gets an answer by close of play tomorrow.

If Orient cannot complete a takeover quickly they could go out of business, leaving fans devastated and wiping out 136 years of history.

The crisis club has a High Court date on June 12 as they face a winding-up petition from tax authorities.

 Fans have called for Francesco Becchetti to leave Orient
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Fans have called for Francesco Becchetti to leave OrientCredit: Reuters
 Leyton Orient fans are furious with owner Francesco Becchetti
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Leyton Orient fans are furious with owner Francesco BecchettiCredit: Reuters

Bowers’ stance will put pressure on the vilified Becchetti to finally sell up and allow the club to have a proper future, starting in the Vanorama National League in August.

Orient’s fiasco of a season saw players and staff battling to be paid their wages, pitch demonstrations and off-the-field protests as the team sunk from League football.

They have gone through an incredible TEN bosses under loathed owner Becchetti.

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