Leyton Orient's League One rivals could be set for takeover by Champions League winner and US consortium

One of Leyton Orient’s potential promotion rivals next season could be set for a takeover. Orient were mightily close to securing promotion to the Championship last season, reaching the League One play-off final but ultimately losing to London rivals Charlton Athletic.

Richie Wellens has been open about the fact Orient have a big job ahead of them to stay near the top of the table next season due to the inevitable turnover in playing staff that clubs in the third tier and lower typically have each summer. But Orient will still be fancied as one of the clubs who will be challenging for at least a playoff spot next term.

Another club many fancy to be up there in League One is Cardiff City, who will be playing third tier football for the first time since 2003 following relegation. The Bluebirds will have a bigger budget that most third tier clubs, and after appointing Brian Barry-Murphy as their new boss, they have made it clear they won’t be a selling club this summer.

Cardiff will likely lose a few players, but they are expected to keep the bulk of their Championship squad while also allowing Barry-Murphy to put his own stamp on his new team.

in the meantime, Cardiff could be the subject of a takeover by a US consortium led by hometown hero Gareth Bale. Bale told TalkSPORT this week: “It's always been Cardiff that we've been trying to get and obviously being from Cardiff, it's obviously where I was born, where I grew up. I'm very passionate, obviously I know how passionate the Wales fans and the Cardiff fans are, so it's an interesting time. Exciting time, and hopefully something can be done."

He added: "It will be exciting to be part of an ownership group and would love to go down that route. I can't say too much but like I said we would love to be part of that Cardiff ownership and take Cardiff back where they belong.” He added when asked about recent links with Plymouth: “No, I have no idea where Plymouth came from to be honest with you."

Vincent Tan’s stance

Current Cardiff owner Vincent Tan has not had the easiest relationship with fans over the years, and he has previously said: “I have always publicly said that except for my family, all my businesses are for sale at the right price. I do not fall in love with my businesses. For the record, I have no plans to sell any of the clubs but if I am offered the right price, I will certainly consider it. I have been approached on numerous occasions by parties wanting to buy CCFC but the prices offered have not been right.”

This summer, however, he pledged his commitment to the club amid growing displeasure from fans over the way the club has been run in recent times. He said in an open letter to supporters: “To all Cardiff City supporters, I wish to acknowledge the open letter that has been issued by our Supporters’ Trust. We hear your words and I share your hurt and frustration. Not all decisions when it comes to the First Team have worked as I had hoped for us.

“To lose our place in the Championship is upsetting. The important thing is that we regain it at the earliest opportunity and I would like to take this chance to tell you that I am committed to getting us back. A period of review is being undertaken; a permanent manager and management team will be appointed in the coming weeks. As a point of developing strategy, our Board of Directors have begun internal discussions with executive management and staff to strategise and plan for the summer and new season.

“To say I don’t care is wrong and I strongly push back on that. I watch every game and speak to the Board and manager before and after each one. My family will tell you: I kick every ball! We have enjoyed good times together. I can tell all Cardiff City supporters that it is my intention to support correcting the situation we find ourselves in. I want us to all pull in the same direction. I will make every effort to be in Cardiff at the next opportunity that my scheduling allows. I am sorry that we are where we are this summer. It is now time to rebuild.”