Former Leyton Orient chairman Barry Hearn admits family dinner advice led to his 2014 club sale.
Legendary sports promoter Barry Hearn has opened up about his deep regrets regarding the sale of Leyton Orient in 2014. After nearly two decades at the helm, a heartbreaking play-off final defeat prompted the former chairman to part ways with the English football club, according to information published by FF2 Futebol.
Hearn originally took over the club in 1995 and guided the team through numerous highs and lows, including an automatic promotion into the third tier. However, a devastating penalty shootout defeat against Rotherham United after holding a two-goal halftime lead proved to be the final straw for the lifelong administrator.
Reflecting on the dramatic events of that fateful day, Hearn admitted that the dramatic collapse cost him a fortune and left lasting psychological scars. Seeking counsel from his inner circle at the dinner table shortly after, the veteran sports executive ultimately decided to relinquish his 90 percent stake in the team.
Barry Hearn and the 2014 play-off heartbreak
The 2014 League One play-off final remains a painful memory for everyone associated with the East London club. Leyton Orient were leading comfortably at halftime before Alex Revell scored a quickfire brace to equalize, ultimately leading to a heartbreaking defeat on penalties against Rotherham United.
Hearn confessed that he still requires therapy when thinking about the match. Not only did the defeat crush the entire fanbase, but it also signaled the end of his eventful 19-year tenure as the chairman of the professional football club.
Family dinner conversation led to the Leyton Orient sale
Faced with an acceptable offer and years of sporting grief, Hearn asked his family for their honest opinions around the dinner table. Son Eddie Hearn suggested keeping the club due to the unmatched joy of winning away matches, while his daughter warned against leaving a burdensome asset behind.
Ultimately, the decisive voice came from his wife, who simply looked up from her dinner plate and told him to get rid of the team. Hearn noted that in any working-class family, his wife is the one who truly makes the ultimate decisions.
Francesco Becchetti era and subsequent club decline
Following the departure of Barry Hearn, the club was sold to Italian businessman Francesco Becchetti. Under the new ownership, the team experienced a disastrous downward spiral that led straight into the non-league tiers of English football amid fan protests and financial turmoil.
Hearn expressed deep regret over the subsequent events, stating that he would never have sold his shares if he had known what was coming. Despite the unfortunate aftermath, he maintains many fond memories of building stadium infrastructure and thinking outside the box.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Barry Hearn sell Leyton Orient?
Barry Hearn sold Leyton Orient in 2014 following a painful play-off final defeat against Rotherham United and after receiving decisive advice from his wife during a family dinner.
Who bought Leyton Orient after Barry Hearn?
Italian businessman Francesco Becchetti bought Leyton Orient from Barry Hearn, leading the club into a period of severe decline and non-league football before departing three years later.
How long was Barry Hearn chairman of Leyton Orient?
Barry Hearn served as the chairman of Leyton Orient for 19 years, taking over the club in 1995 before selling his majority stake in 2014.
What happened in the 2014 League One play-off final?
Leyton Orient led Rotherham United by two goals at halftime, but Alex Revell scored twice to equalize before Rotherham won the match in a penalty shootout.
