Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterBarry Hearn has revealed his regrets about leaving Leyton Orient following their play-off final defeat in 2014...and in particular, what happened to the club immediately following his departure.The former Orient chairman took over the club in 1995 and had to endure two unsuccessful League Two play-off finals in 11 seasons before the club finally got themselves into the third tier through automatic promotion.But it only took one League One play-off final, in 2014, for Hearn to decide to call time on his time in charge.Leyton Orient were two goals up at half time, but Alex Revell's quickfire brace restored parity on the hour before Rotherham went on to triumph in a penalty shootout.Hearn told FourFourTwo: "Jesus, Im still having therapy about that day. Not only did it crush the entire fanbase, but it cost me a fortune! You may like Barry Hearn on why he loved John Sittons 'bring your f**king dinner rant Barry Hearn wants sustainability first, then success for his new football club 'The fault of one man' Mel Sterland believes Sheffield Wednesday finally have reason to dream again after years of struggle Hearn sold his 90% sure in Orient within the next few months following a conversation with his family around the dinner tableI said to them all Look, Ive had an offer, its acceptable, Ive had 19 years of grief and now I want to know what you lot think, Hearn recalledGet FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.[Son] Eddie went first. He said You know what, dad? It costs us a bit of money, but theres nothing quite like driving home from an away game when youve had a win, lets keep it."Then my daughter goes Dad, we all love you, but dont die leaving this club round our neck."Lastly, I looked at my wife. As in any working-class family, shes the one that really makes the decisions. She just glanced up from her dinner plate and said Get rid. And that was it. What to read next Elton John: The Watford Years Leicester legend tells FFT why the good times must be remembered under departing owners Ex-Millwall owner Theo Paphitis on Millwall's 'scary' European adventure The club subsequently plummeted into non-league under new owner Francesco Becchetti, who was himself gone from the club just three years later following a winding-up order against the club and protests against the Italian.Hearn lamented: "I would never have sold if Id thought that was going to happen. Hindsight is a wonderful advisor."He nonetheless has largely good memories of his time in charge, saying: I knew nothing whatsoever about football, but we still did so much good."We built three quarters of a new stadium without borrowing a penny. We thought outside the box. I got planning permission on a block of flats in each of the four corners that no-one used anyway, and it generated �8.5m."When I go up to heaven to organise their affairs properly, and my life is played back to me, some of my happiest memories will have been at Leyton Orient."TOPICSLeyton OrientSteven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.With contributions fromEd McCambridgeStaff Writer
