Leyton Orient have tonight announced that Mauro Milanese will become team manager from tomorrow.

In a brief statement on their website, the O’s said: “After a tricky couple of months, and in order for the club to be closer to the players, as of tomorrow (Monday) Mauro Milanese will take charge as team manager with Kevin Nugent as coach.

“Having worn the the shirt of great Italian clubs such as Inter, Napoli and Parma, as well as being a graduate of the prestigious Converciano coaching and management centre, Mauro will be an important fixture on the Orient bench providing an effective, hands-on presence for the players.”

The O’s sporting director takes the helm with the club in 18th place in League One, having won just once in their last seven league outings.

It is the latest twist in a managerial saga which has enulfed the O's since this summer's takeover by Francesco Becchetti.

Former boss Russell Slade was told his future was on the line last month and he revealed this to the media. The club then announced, after crisis talks following the draw at Notts County, they were keeping faith with him. But Cardiff City made several approaches for him and after these were rejected Slade resigned.

Nugent was offered the head coach role but it was several weeks before he confirmed he was the interim manager until the end of the season.

But a poor run of form which saw the side pick up just five points from six league games has resulted in the latest change. 

The final straw came yesterday when ten man Orient were thumped 3-0 at Port Vale and this latest setback has led to Milanese taking over responsibility for the side.