Leyton Orient have announced Bournemouth coach Carl Fletcher as Head Coach this afternoon.
He received a baptism of fire as player/coach at Plymouth Argyle, bringing them through a tough relegation battle to survival in League Two. Martin Ling noted his many appointments as club captain during his career and it is clear that he has been a leader in the dressing room.
Whilst he doesn’t have a huge amount of top-level experience, he has been coaching for five years in Bournemouth’s youth set-up, and recently managed their loan players.
Everyone has to start somewhere, and Fletch has clearly impressed in his interviews to secure the appointment as Head Coach at Brisbane Road.
We have some talented youngsters in defence who I think will do very well under Carl. Bournemouth have developed a few exciting players recently including David Brooks and Ryan Fraser. His experience as loan manager means he has worked with older senior professionals too.
I am also pleased that the top team will continue to include Ross Embleton, Danny Webb and Jobi McAnuff. Continuity and stability are good for the players and the club as a whole.
The directors made clear at the time they appointed Ross interim manager that they wanted to proceed on that basis and I am glad that Carl Fletcher is going to have the support of staff who know the club and the squad inside out.
It also helps that he knows Jobi well from their time playing together at Crystal Palace. It’s a small thing, but hopefully it will make starting out in E10 that little bit easier.
Carl Fletcher: A leader with plenty of coaching experience, and a point to prove, backed by a team that know the club better than just about anyone on the planet. It’s going to be a tough season, but I think the board have made a good appointment here.
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