Leyton Orient have announced that Matt Harrold, a member of the club’s coaching staff, will take charge of the side against Carlisle United.
Orient parted company with manager Kenny Jackett a matter of hours before Keith Millen left United in a day of drama for two faltering clubs.
Joint bottom of the form table they meet in London on Saturday with Paul Simpson ready to take charge of Carlisle again.
Orient say that Harrold will take temporary charge of first-team affairs assisted by Academy Under-18s manager Brian Saah.
A key part of the National League promotion season Harrold, who played 92 times for the O’s, joined their coaching set up following his retirement from playing in 2020.
Harrold has brief experience of management as he took charge of a Crawley Town game as caretaker in 2016/17.
Club chairman Nigel Travis said: “With a decision on a change of manager made, Matt and Brian will take temporary charge of first team affairs whilst the process begins for Kenny Jackett’s replacement.
“Both Matt and Brian have a close connection to the club, and I encourage you all to be loud and proud this Saturday at the Breyer Group Stadium, and really get behind the team.”
But while Harrold is caretaker, Simpson has been put in charge until the end of the season – 15 games in which to save Carlisle’s Football League status.
Last time he was appointed he was unable to save them from relegation to the Conference but United kept faith and he followed-up with back-to-back promotions.
Back up to League Two and then a title win to ensure his place in club folklore.
