Nolan to return to East London

Former West Ham skipper Kevin Nolan is understood to be locked in talks with Leyton Orient’s chairman to join them as a player/manager. Sources close to club suggest talks have been ongoing for a few days and Nolan could soon be announced as the new manager of the O’s as early as this week. Earlier this week, the League Two side sacked West Ham’s former first team coach, Ian Hendon.

The former West Ham back room boy was dimissed following a run of just four wins in 21 league games. His final match was the 3-1 defeat at home by Exeter on Saturday. Hendon took charge at the Matchroom Stadium in May following Orient’s relegation from League One last season.

A statement on the Orient website said: “The Club can confirm that Ian Hendon has been relieved of his role as Head Coach of Leyton Orient. The Club would like to thank Ian for his commitment and passion during his time at Leyton Orient and would like to wish him the best in his future endeavours.”

Kevin Nolan has long talked about his wishes to follow his mentor Sam Allardyce into football management.

Nolan has been backed in from 33/1 to 1/10 odds on to take charge of Orient. Paolo Di Canio is second favourite at 5/1.