THE CLUB have announced that they are to rename the South Stand in honour of Tommy Johnston, following the death of the legendary O's striker on Thursday.

Johnston, the club's leading all-time goalscorer with 123 goals to his name, played for the O's in two spells in the 1950s and early 1960s.

He was voted as the greatest ever Orient player in a 1999 supporters' poll and the 35 League goals he scored in the 1956/57 season remains as a club record.

The South Stand, which was constructed in 1999 as the first part of Brisbane Road's redevelopment, will now be known as the Tommy Johnston Stand.

Orient chairman Barry Hearn said: "We were all saddened to learn of Tommy's death on Tuesday.

"He leads the list of greats to have represented this club in its long history and the fact that his records have stood for so long shows the impact he had.

"Tommy is remembered fondly by all the O's supporters who were fortunate enough to have seen him play and he was voted by them as the greatest player to have worn the shirt.

"The club would like to celebrate his memory in a fitting way, so we will be re-naming the South Stand in his honour as a tribute."

O's Supporters' Club chairman David Dodd added: "Tommy holds a special place in the hearts of all Orient supporters and we were saddened to hear of his passing.

"It is a sad day for the club and our condolences go to Tommy's family and friends.

"Re-naming the South Stand in his honour is a fitting tribute and he will never be forgotten at this club."

The Supporters' Club will be opening a book of condolence for Orient supporters to pay tribute to Tommy. This will be sent to Tommy's family in Australia - and will be available for signing at the game with Stockport County on September 13..

The club are also inviting supporters to send in their memories of Tommy for inclusion in a tribute in the next matchday programme. Please send contributions to the club's press officer, Leo Tyrie, via email

The stand will be officially unveiled as the Tommy Johnston stand at the Stockport game.