Entertaining but divisive Italian Paolo Di Canio is among the early favourites to succeed Andy Hessenthaler as Leyton Orient manager.

The O's made their seventh managerial change in two years under Francesco Becchetti yesterday with the departure of Hessenthaler, after only a brief run of poor form - one point from their last three games - was deemed enough for his dismissal.

The former Gillingham manager was questioned about the club owner's involvement in team selection from the off and a number of questionable moments, including the release of Sean Clohessy and Dean Cox over the summer have only heightened confusion around the Matchroom Stadium, and may turn off many available candidates for his replacement.

As recently as this week Kevin Nolan, Hessenthaler's predecessor, spoke out to tell the BBC that interference from above had hindered his brief time at the helm last season.

Of those in the running, current caretaker boss Andy Edwards has been installed as the early favourite ahead of tonight's tie with Plymouth Argyle, while Italian Franco Colomba, most recently in charge of Serie B side Livorno, sits second.

Third and fourth favourite are Daryl McMahon and Di Canio, who would be a coup after his spell in charge of Premier League Sunderland three years ago - albeit an unsuccessful one - while Kenny Jackett, Graham Alexander and Steve Evans are also mentioned.