LAINDON Orient will go head-to-head with Leyton Orient in future pre-season friendlies after improving relations between the two clubs.

The Essex Olympian League Division Three side were forced to change their club crest last month after being threatened with legal action by the National League giants.

But Laindon Orient chairman and first team manager Neil Blackburn believes exciting times lay in wait after meeting Leyton Orient chief executive Danny Macklin and director of football Martin Ling at Brisbane Road.

Blackburn, who was joined at the meeting by assistant manager Robert Neville, said: “We went to Brisbane Road for the meeting and Leyton Orient chief executive Danny Macklin was there with Martin Ling, who is the director of football there.

“It was a very encouraging meeting and they told us one of the reasons they had got involved was because another club had used their logo to their benefit.

“We hadn’t, but they wanted to have a meeting to resolve the situation.

“We’re really happy though, because we have now built up a good relationship between both parties.

“They invited us to take the first team to a game of our choice, so we are going to Brisbane Road to watch one of their National League matches in November.

“That was a nice gesture, but the big thing for us is that they have agreed to play us in pre-season friendlies in the future.

“They will bring a Leyton Orient XI to us every year, but Martin Ling promised it would always be a strong squad.”

And Blackburn, who founded Laindon Orient less than a decade ago, insisted the meeting went to plan.

Blackburn added: “Leyton Orient are looking to build links with teams near the A127 and everything fell into place at the meeting.

“What we got from the meeting was basically what we were hoping for.

“We didn’t know whether a solicitor was going to be there or not, but it all went well and it’s great for our club.

“For a club like them to look at us and take note is great.

“The next step is to get a few of their under-16 and under-18 players on loan.

“It would be great to help them develop and give them a chance to play men’s football.

“That would be positive for both clubs and the players.”

>Laindon Orient are looking for a new sponsor. If you are interested, call Blackburn on 07933 621209 or email laindonorientfc@live.co.uk.