Leyton Orient: Barry Hearn backs new owner Francesco Becchetti

Barry Hearn says new Leyton Orient owner Francesco Becchetti has the finances to help the club progress.

Hearn sold his 90 percent shareholding in the O's to the 47-year-old Italian businessman earlier this week after almost 20 years in charge.

"I genuinely believe he wants the best for the club and he has the resources to do what other people can't do.

"There is no question that Francesco is going to take the club further forward than me," Hearn told BBC London 94.9.

"I'm only a multi-millionaire and these days that's nothing in football. I am comfortable with the changeover.

"Francesco is a hands-on type of operator and ticks boxes. I felt a synergy with him. It was like looking at Barry Hearn 20 years ago - but with more money.

"Who is to say what the next three or four years can hold if this man gets the flavour to do something?"

Sports promoter Hearn, 66, took over the O's during the 1994-95 season and has since cleared the club's debts and established them in League One.

They finished third in the table last season but missed out on a place in the Championship when they lost to Rotherham on penalties at Wembley.

Becchetti, also owner of the Becchetti Energy Group, previously considered taking over Championship clubs Reading and Birmingham and Italian Serie B side Bologna before approaching Orient.

"Most fans understand I will only do what is right for the club," Hearn said.

"I've always said the day someone comes along who really is capable of taking us to the next level I am out, as I wouldn't hold the club back. I haven't found the right person before.

"I've given them 20 years of stability. I took over a ground with four derelict stands and now we've got three brand new ones.

"I took over a club with a load of debt and now we've got serious money in the bank and no debt."