Leyton Orient legend Dean Cox expressed his sadness at the O's current plight when speaking to the East London Guardian Series this week.

The 29-year-old was at the O's from 2010 to 2016 when he had a shock departure last September one day after deadline day. 

Cox was at E10 when owner Francesco Becchetti took over the club in 2014 and was a part of the team who was one spot-kick away from the championship, scoring the O's second goal of the match.

He quickly became a fan favourite due to his love and admiration for the club.

And a return to the place he spent six years at was not ruled out.

He said: “I would love to go back to Orient. If I could go back as a player I would like to do that, I am only 29, I’d like to be playing until I am 35.

“But if not, definitely as a coach, that would be nice but coming back as a manager would be the dream.”

Orient were served a winding-up petition on March 1 by HMRC, a bill which has now been paid, but other creditors have since come forward which include Waltham Forest Council and the club photographer.

“It is a bit sad really but I am not really surprised. Since the owner came in it has gone from bad to worse, gone into a bit of a downward spiral," said the Crawley Town winger.

“They are staring relegation in the face, it is not a nice thing to see.

“The best thing would be for the owner to sell and for new owners to come in to move the club forward.

“He has paid some of the bill at the moment so I think he is looking for a new buyer.”

At the High Court on Monday, Orient were given a stay of execution until June 12 for Becchetti to pay off his debt or sell the club.

A witness statement from Alessandro Angelieri stated the Italian was looking to put in a £1million cash injection into the club to pay off the remainder owed to other creditors.

When asked why some fans thought he has made so many promises why would he stick to this one he responded:“It will be interesting to see whether he does or does not put that money in. I hope he does but I cannot blame the fans for thinking he won’t put that money in.

“There are rumours that there are people who want to buy the club. He just needs to sell but I don’t think he will get his money back now, he is a bit silly if he thinks he will.

“He is not going to be pushed around. At the end of the day he is a businessman. He should take the money he is offered.  

"I hope this can happen as quickly as possible. The future needs to be bright for Orient.”

Money issues for the Italian is not a new thing, back in 2015 Orient were put on a transfer embargo due to players not being paid. 

This was because the transfer of funds from a foreign account was late. 

Cox said: “The downward spiral started when the new owners came in. I had eight different managers in that time.

“We had times where we were paid late. Other times, some would get paid some would not, some staff would get paid. We all got paid eventually.”

But as he remains in the memory of the O's faithful he had a message to them: 

“They just have to stay strong. It is a worrying time but I think he will sell. The fans deserve a new owner to come in and take it into the future.

“I joined the club in 2010 and firstly it is a family club. But come to the end of my time there, it got a bit sour and they are not like that at all.

“I am sure in time, with a new owner, they can get back into League One, let alone League Two. They are a massive, massive team and I hope they can progress soon and look to the future.

“Orient could easily bounce back of they go down to the conference with the right owners getting right behind the team. They need someone to run the club with good people behind the scenes

“The O’s getting relegated out of the football league is hard for me to think about. They are still in the fight and there is a lot of play for.”

Cox has donated his boots to the Regeneration Fund and is currently being auctioned by Orient Outlook. 

The O's face Crawley tomorrow at the Broadfield Stadium. (3pm kick-off)

Cox will hope to be fit after missing last week's match with a hamstring injury.

The attacking midfielder was present at Brisbane Road last week and said the atmosphere was 'brilliant'.