Former Leyton Orient captain Matt Lockwood admitted he was 'not surprised by the news' as they are issued with a winding-up order from HM Revenue and Customs.

The 40-year-old told BBC Radio London the club's current situation is 'scandalous'.

He said: "I think it was expected that this day was coming.

"I know having spoken to quite a few Orient fans over recent weeks and months, the guys have been preparing themselves for the worst.

"It is something that is definitely sad with the history that it has got and how well the club was doing. 

"But ultimately it was inevitable. The writing has been on the wall for a while now.

"And just seeing the way things are going on the pitch and off the pitch, look like they are even worse.

"It's scandalous how poorly that club that club has been over the last two-and-a-half-years.

"It's scary how, over the club's 116-year history, the heart has just been ripped out of it within the space of the last two-and-a-half years."

When asked what should happen next the former Dundee player said: "Ultimately we need the current owners to depart. 

"Whether a deal can be done or the winding-up order can be sorted out.

"Someone actually said to me recently, we were discussing Orient and he wasn't actually an O's fan.

"They said (administration) might be the best thing that ever happens to Orient, to get the current owner out. 

"Yes you're going to get relegated but you can afresh and build up again. 

"I think whatever steps need to be taken to get the current owners out of the club would be a step forward.

"Even if it looked on paper like it would be two steps backwards."

The club and the creditors are due at the High Court on Monday, March 20.