Barry Hearn quits as Leyton Orient's honorary life president with staff's March wages 24 days overdue

Former Leyton Orient owner Barry Hearn has announced his decision to step aside as Life President of the club.

Orient staff are still waiting for their March wages - 24 days after the money was due in their accounts.

The Os dropped out of the Football League for the first time in 112 years on Saturday and current owner Francesco Becchetti has not communicated with Orient staff over missing payments.

"It is with sadness that I have decided to resign my honorary role as Life President of Leyton Orient FC with immediate effect," Hearn's statement read.

"I cannot be associated in any way with a club/business that does not pay the wages and salaries of its hard working staff, players and officials.

"I hope for everyone’s sake that the stewardship of the club is resolved as quickly as possible and everyone will be repaid all that they are owed."

Hearn last week conceded he sold the club to the wrong person in 2014.

He has previously shown an interest in helping the club out if fans can draw together a viable rescue plan.