HAPPE: NO GOING BECC FOR ORIENT
LEYTON ORIENT are riding the crest of a wave after finally finding their feet in League One – but this afternoon’s trip to Reading will reopen old wounds for their 2,000 travelling fans.
The occasion will not be lost on Dan Happe, either.
The Orient defender, 25, was a youngster trying to make the grade at a time when the club were swimming against the tide under former owner Francesco Becchetti.
Crisis club Reading have their own negligent owner in the form of Dai Yongge, the Chinese businessman whose poor management has led to the Royals being docked 16 points over the past three seasons.
Happe knows all about the hardships Reading are currently experiencing after worrying about being paid during the dark days of Becchetti’s premiership.
He recalled: “It was a hard situation. We never knew where we stood and every day you came in not knowing what was going to happen. It was tough.
“When there’s question marks about whether or not you’re going to be paid that month – which was my personal experience – then you start questioning things: ‘How am I going to afford things?’.
“I do sympathise with Reading. We feel for them.
It’s not a nice place to be in.” Orient are Happe’s club – he’s been on the books since the age of 14 and was in the stands at Brisbane Road long before they famously emptied in protest at Becchetti (below) back in 2017.
Fittingly, Happe has played an integral role in the club’s renaissance since the current regime, headed up by Nigel Travis and Kent Teague, rescued them.
He added: “I’ve been a part of it for years now. I’m one of the few players who has been involved in it all (two promotions), so it’s been a real privilege.
“It’s sweet to go through the ranks at Orient and to still be here. Before I was even playing for Orient I’d go to the games with mates. It’s amazing to think where I was and where I am now.”
The O’s are unbeaten in five ahead of their trip to Berkshire, where they will be backed by another sell-out away following.
Happe and co have racked up five consecutive clean sheets during that period – the first time the club have managed such a feat since 1971.
He added: “It’s crazy. We’ve been playing really well and defending really well, and the results and the clean sheets back that up.
“You don’t tend to realise things like that as much while you’re playing.”