Former Leyton Orient owner Barry Hearn has pulled no punches over the man he sold the club too, Francesco Becchetti, in an interview with a national newspaper.

This morning the E10 club were issued with a winding-up petition, which could lead to an order that could drive the O's into extinction.

The club and the creditors are to attend the High Court on Monday, March 20 after it was revealed, by the London Evening Standard, Becchetti has failed to pay a tax bill said to be in the region of £250,000.

It is the first time lifelong fan and honorary O's president Hearn broke his silence over the situation of the club he ran for 19 years.

Hearn still owns Orient's Brisbane Road home in what could be the only solice in the O's darkest hours. 

Hearn told The Telegraph: "What can I say? It's an absolute disaster.

"Obviously I sold the club to a very wealthy man who promised me he would put a huge amount of money into the club - which he has done.

"It doesn't make any difference how much money you put in if you don't achieve anything from it.

"And it's just been a catalogue of disasters culminating in this news today, which is horrible.

"Thank goodness I kept the ground because, otherwise, goodness knows what'd happen?"

Hearn insisted Becchetti had been passed as 'fit and proper' by the football authorities.

"I understand he's just stopped putting money in and lost interest. And that can happen, I suppose, with foreign owners.

"Three years ago, I was so optimistic about the future of Leyton Orient it's not true. Because I saw a man with enthusiasm and passion, who was moving to London, had loads of money, gave the fans what they were always asking me for: 'When are you going to get your chequebook out?' Well, he got his chequebook out and this is what's happened.

"I knew exactly what I was selling to: big ego, sparkling personality, loads of money, and he wanted to make the club into a big club, which is everything I and the supporters wanted to hear at that time.

"Had we all known how it was going to go, we wouldn't have done the deal - no question."

But as the former owner said he would buy the club, he does want to help as much as he can.

Hearn said: "We did very well for the club for 19-years. Unfortunately, this man has ruined all that work in three, which is almost an achievement.

"Football is a very stressful, time-consuming business, and is a thankless task. The people who were booing me to spend more money got someone to spend a load of money - and this is where  it is now.

"As a fan, I would like to look at the fans trust's proposals and think how I can help, but I wouldn't be involved in anything."

The 68-year-old claimed his hands could be tied after he transferred the ownership of Brisbane Road to a trustee-administered pension fund at the end of last year. 

He ended the interview by saying: "I am fearful for the future."

The World Snooker chairman attended his first game at the age of 11 and still regularly attends the Matchroom Stadium. 

During the Italian's reign, there has been nine manager departures, a fan protest, a reality TV show to win in Italy to win a pro contract and a six-match ban for the owner for kicking then assistant manager Andy Hessenthaler.

The O's faithful are starting to fear for the worst.