Kenny Jackett has been appointed manager of Leyton Orient this afternoon.

Jackett took his first steps into management with Watford in 1996, after making over 300 appearances for the club as a player.

Since then, he has gone on to manage Swansea, Millwall, Wolves, Rotherham and Portsmouth before taking charge at Orient ahead of next season.

He replaces Jobi McAnuff, who took interim charge midway through last season before retiring from football at the end of the campaign.

Speaking at his first press conference as Orient boss, Jackett said his aim is to have the side challenging at the top of the table.

"You should never start any season without being optimistic and aiming for the top. And that has to be the case," he said.

"Obviously, there's realism along the way, and most importantly you have to work out a plan of how you're going to do it. Traditionally League Two is a very tight division.

"I do think that Orient are ready to be able to compete this season at the top end of this league."

O's Director of Football Martin Ling said the club now had the "perfect captain".

“After an extensive search I’m delighted that we was able to attain the services of Kenny Jackett," he said.

“From my first meeting with him he showed me an unbelievable knowledge of the club, its current squad and of League Two in general.

“But the most important thing of all from that first meeting was his eagerness for the job and the project going forward. This continued throughout the next two stages of the interview process and he became the number one candidate.

“Kenny brings with him massive experience, know-how and contacts throughout football and it’s good to know we have the perfect captain to steer our ship."

Chairman Nigel Travis added: “We are absolutely delighted to have recruited someone of Kenny’s experience and successful track record in achieving promotions.

“He went through an exhaustive interview process with many other excellent candidates, and Kenny ticks so many boxes to move this club to the next level.”