Leyton Orient's year has been interesting, to say the least. There certainly is never a dull moment at Brisbane Road.

The year kicked off with a 2-2 draw against Stevenage at Broadhall Way with Jay Simpson grabbing a stoppage time equaliser from the spot.

The Boro's forward, Armand Gnaduillet, scored twice in a matter of three minutes but the 25-goal striker from the 2015/16 season salvaged the draw.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Simpson was the star man for the O's in the 2015/16 season. Picture: Action Images via Reuters

The first sacking for the east London club came on January 16th. Following a 3-1 defeat to Exeter City (a team that would ring a bell in November), Ian Hendon was shown the door.

It was no surprise. He had only managed 22 points in 21 league games. The 45-year-old later spoke about interference from the club. 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Hendon was relieved of his duties after seven months at the helm. Picture: Action Images via Reuters

In the same month, Francesco Becchetti was given a six-game ban for kicking, at the time, assistant manager Andy Hessenthaler on Boxing Day 2015.  

Kevin Nolan was the man in charge after Hendon's exit taking on the role as head coach/player.

He was given a two and a half year contract. 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Nolan was only in charge at the Matchroom Stadium for three months. Picture: Action Images via Reuters

After a busy January transfer window, including signing now club captain Nicky Hunt, February saw Becchetti believing Orient could win promotion back to League One. 

In March Orient went on to win two, lose three and draw one.

With a 1-1 draw to eventually relegated York City and a 3-0 heavy defeat to Barnet at the beginning of April, it was Nolan's turn to be sent packing.

Hessenthaler was given the role as caretaker for the second time in the year.

It was an agonising end to the season for the O's finishing just six points behind AFC Wimbledon - who were promoted after defeating Plymouth Argyle 2-0 in the play-off final.

Hessenthaler signed off 2015/16 by saying he was unsure whether or not he would take the manager’s job.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The 51-year-old had a change of heart and signed a deal to becoming Orient's permanent manager in June. Picture: Simon O'Connor

Andy Edwards was promoted as Hessenthaler's assistant manager a week later, stepping up from his academy director role.

Liam Kelly became Orient's seventh summer signing and quickly became a fan favourite. 

The 26-year-old and former Oldham Athletic captain put pen to paper to commit to the O's on a three-year deal.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Kelly, unfortunately, suffered a torn hamstring in their 1-0 loss to Portsmouth in October. Picture: Simon O'Connor

On August 16, the O's recorded a 3-0 win over Stevenage with Gavin Massey scoring a double and Dean Cox also on the scoresheet with that looping header.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Hessenthaler admitted in his post-match he did not expect Cox to get onto the end of the cross with a header. Picture: Simon O'Connor

Every football fan wanted the summer transfer window to shut come the end of August but no more than the O's faithful.

In a case of will they or won't they leave? (regarding Cox and Simpson) it was to be after the window had closed the sad news came.

On September 1, it was revealed Cox and Orient had parted ways by mutual consent having spent six years with the O's.

It meant the midfielder could not play for another Football League club until January.

The E10 club also issued a statement containing very little sentences or words and left many with a bitter taste.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The 29-year-old was devastated to have lost in the play-off at Wembley after Orient failed to gain promotion to the Championship. Picture: Action Images via Reuters

September did not bring a lot of joy and it was the end of the road for Hessenthaler at the end of the month.

The rumour mill flew with Paulo Di Canio's name being circled around but Becchetti had a different Italian in mind.

Alberto Cavasin was given the managerial position, a man who did speak a word of English and had not had a job in football since 2011.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The scarf did not bring Cavasin much luck in his tenure. Picture: Simon O'Connor

Under the former Sampdoria boss, Orient lost 6-0 to Sheffield United in the FA Cup first round, the largest margin of defeat in 34 years.

A fan protest was demonstrated to try and make the owners more open and transparent with their supporters. 

But it was Exeter City who gave Cavasin the heave-ho (always Exeter?) after a 1-0 defeat.

The 60-year-old said one of the most memorable quotes of the year: “We have to present ourselves to this match with a helmet, a knife and our teeth.

"We have to maximise our productivity and capability.” (We remember this one don't we?)

After only 10 games in charge, the Italian left Brisbane Road losing eight games and winning two.

Edwards and Danny Webb were given promotions once again and this is where the good news started to flow in.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Andy Edwards and Danny Webb as the O's manager and assistant manager. Picture: Simon O'Connor

Facing a promotion chasing side in Doncaster Rovers was always going to be difficult for their first game in charge.

But on Saturday, December 10 that long wait from August 16 to get their first home win came to an end.

Simpson came off the pitch as the O's hero with the hosts seeing off 10-man Accrington Stanley in a 1-0 scoreline. 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

All the players could not hide their happiness at Simpson's goal. Picture: Simon O'Connor 

Edwards said after the match he may have a pint or two to celebrate. 

Former Leyton Orient player Scott Kashket provided a sting in the tail when he scored the only goal of the game for Wycombe on December 17.

The 20-year-old has been on a superb run of form and provided a salute to the Orient directors in his goal celebration. 

He came back to haunt the club he had left in the summer. 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Kashket has scored 13 goals in 14 games for The Chairboys. Picture: Simon O'Connor

But a Christmas present was delivered in the form of Sam Dalby to the supporters on Boxing Day. 

Dalby scored his first senior goal for the club after four minutes in a 3-2 victory over Crawley Town.

The 17-year-old is one for the future. 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Dalby with Paul McCallum. Even the press box jumped up and celebrated this one. Picture: Simon O'Connor

Happy New Year!

Up the O's.