Orient strip Nolan of managerial role

Leyton Orient have removed player-manager Kevin Nolan from his post in charge of first-team duties and promoted his assistant Andy Hessenthaler to the role of interim manager.

The O’s board have made the decision to urge the 33-year-old to focus on his performances as a player, rather than be conflicted by trying to manage the team he’s stood alongside on the pitch.

Orient chief executive Alessandro Angelieri said in a club statement: “Everyone at the club is fighting hard to make sure we reach the play-offs this season. Whilst that aim remains within reach, we have decided that Kevin should focus entirely on his playing contribution until the end of the season. We believe that Kevin will be able to make a bigger impact on the team without the distraction of managerial duties.

“Andy Hessenthaler, who has been assisting Kevin over the past few months, will take charge of the first team in the interim.”

As a free agent last December, Nolan turned down a contract offer from the then O’s boss Ian Hendon, until he subsequently was appointed as player-manager with the midfielder hoping to complete a UEFA A Licence badge.

Hopes of a place in the play-offs have been dampened by a run of two victories in eight matches, which has seen the club drop to 11th in the table.

Former Gillingham manager Hessenthaler leads the club into Saturday’s match against Dagenham & Redbridge, whom they have failed to beat inside 90 minutes at Brisbane Road since 2007.