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FM15: Leyton Orient - The Orient Express steamrolling through!


Elliotmbyrne

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Leyton Orient Football Club

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They were 2-0 up at half-time in the League 1 playoff final last season. The fans were ecstatic, everything seemed to be going their way.When the game finally ended, over an hour later, it was Rotherham who were celebrating. They had thrown away their lead and lost on penalties. The summer was a hectic one, the club getting taken over by billionaire Italian Francesco Becchetti who offered to throw in money. Respected boss Russell Slade brought in a number of experienced players, including Jobi McAnuff, Jay Simpson, Darius Henderson and Adam Legzdins as Keeper Jamie Jones left for Preston and young starlet Moses Odubajo left for local-rivals Brentford. They started the season poorly, and Slade left for Cardiff, meaning Orient had to turn to ex-QPR player Mauro Milanese as manager.

Can you halt their form and take them where they should be, the Championship?

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Basic Info

Founded: 1881

Location: Leyton, East London

Nicknames: The O's

Owner: Barry Hearn

Chairman: Eddie Hearn

Finances: Okay

Estimated Value: 3.2 million

League: Sky Bet League One

Captain: Nathan Clarke

Vice-Captain: Scott Cuthbert

Stadium

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Name: Brisbane Road

Capacity: 9,271

Built: 1937

Tenants: Leyton Orient Football Club, Tottenham Hotspurs Reserves

History

Formation

Founded in 1881, they were originally the Glyn Cricket Club, after being founded by some of it's members. Orient have since been known as Eagle Cricket Club, Clapton Orient and just Orient Football Club. They joined the Football League in 1904, and are the second oldest team in London, after Fulham.

The name Orient is said to have come through a O's player named Jack R Dearing who worked for the Orient Shipping Company, and the name was changed to Clapton orient in 1898 to represent the area they played in.

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World War One

One of the most important aspects of Orient history, they were the first team to send players to the war, and unfortunately resulted in the deaths of three players out of the 41 who made the trip. Many suffered wounds that ended their careers.

The 1914–15 season was the last football season before the League was suspended due to the outbreak of the First World War. 41 members of the Clapton Orient team and staff joined up into the 17th Battalion Middlesex Regiment (the Footballers' Battalion), the highest of any football team in the country and the first to join up en masse.[3] At the final game of the season – Clapton Orient vs Leicester Fosse, 20,000 people came out to support the team. A farewell parade was also hosted, but not before the O's had won 2–0. The British Film Institute holds a brief recording of this historic match and parade in their archives.

During the Battle of the Somme, three players gave their lives for King and Country: Richard McFadden, George Scott and William Jonas. Though they were the only Orient staff to have died during the First World War, many others sustained wounds, some more than once and were not able to resume their football careers after the war. Prior to the First World War, O's striker Richard McFadden had saved the life of a boy who was drowning in the River Lea as well as rescuing a man from a burning building.

History was made on Saturday 30 April 1921 when the Prince of Wales, later to become King Edward VIII, visited Millfields Road to see the O's play Notts County. The Orient won 3 – 0 and this was the first time a member of royalty had attended a Football League match. The royal visit was to show gratitude for Clapton Orient's patriotic example during the Great War and there is now a plaque erected on the site of the Millfields Road Stadium to commemorate this historic event.[4]

The story of the club's major involvement in the First World War has been told in a 2005 book entitled They Took The Lead, by Stephen Jenkins (the deputy chairman of Leyton Orient Supporters' Club). In July 2006 Steve Jenkins, assisted by Les Bailey, took a party of 150 Leyton Orient supporters and members of the Leyton and Manor Park Royal British Legion over to the Somme region of northern France, to visit World War I war graves and in particular to pay their respects at the resting places of Richard McFadden, William Jonas and George Scott. This was the first official visit to the Orient war graves for 90 years. The trip was so successful that a second visit to the Somme took place the weekend of 12/13 July 2008, this time 183 O's supporters and members of the RBL made the historic pilgrimage. Media interest is growing concerning this amazing and proud period of the Orient's history. Chris Slegg, a BBC London reporter travelled with the party and footage of the Somme trip was shown on every local news bulletin throughout the day on the Monday following the trip.

It is hoped that a documentary or film will one day be made on Clapton Orient's proud service during the Great War. In August 2009 Steve Jenkins, along with fellow O's supporter Theresa Burns and Orient legend Peter Kitchen, launched the O's Somme Memorial Fund with the objective of erecting a permanent memorial in northern France in honour of the Clapton Orient side that answered the call of King and Country.

A third trip to the Somme took place in July 2011 and the O's Memorial was unveiled in the village of Flers on Sunday 10 July.

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20th and 21st Century

Orient's golden years were in the 1960s and 1970s. In the 1961/62 season Orient were promoted to the top tier of English football, the First Division (now the FA Premier League), for the only time in their history, after finishing second in Division Two under the management of Johnny Carey. The team struggled in the top flight and were relegated from the top division the following season. Nonetheless, they did defeat local rivals West Ham United at home. They spent the whole of the 1970s in Division Two. In 1972 Orient achieved one of the most famous results in their history – coming back from 2–0 down to beat Chelsea 3–2 in the FA Cup 5th round. In 1978 Orient were defeated in the semi final of the FA Cup, the furthest they have progressed in that competition.

n 1978 the club was indirectly responsible for the album Variations composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber for his brother, the cellist Julian Lloyd Webber. This reached No.2 in the pop album charts. Variations came about as the result of a bet between the two brothers on the outcome of Orient's final game of the 1976/77 season against Hull City.

In the 1980s Leyton Orient fared less well, and after two relegations found themselves in the fourth tier of English football. However, they ended the decade on a high, as they were promoted in the 1988/89 season, when under manager Frank Clark they were promoted in the Division Four Play-Off Final after a 2–1 aggregate victory over Wrexham F.C..[6] The early 1990s saw steady progress in the Third Division, missing out on a play-off place in the 1992/93 season on goal difference. However, the financial crisis at the club caused by then-chairman Tony Wood losing his business in the Rwandan Civil War led to a relegation back to the fourth tier (now renamed as the Third Division following the formation of the Premier League). Under manager Tommy Taylor, Orient were defeated in the 1999 and 2001 Third Division Play-Off Finals, played at Wembley Stadium and the Millennium Stadium respectively. The latter final saw the fastest ever Play-Off Final goal scored to date at the Millennium Stadium, as Orient's Chris Tate scored after just 27 seconds. Evidently, Orient's fastest ever goal was scored after just 12 seconds by Lee Steele in a match against his former club Oxford at The Kassam Stadium on 28 March 2005.

After the 2001 play-off final defeat, Leyton Orient took several years to recover from their second play-off final defeat in three years. After Tommy Taylor left the club, Paul Brush spent two unsuccessful years in charge, and after he was sacked former player Martin Ling took over as manager in October 2003, with Orient second-bottom of the league. After several years of steady improvement, Leyton Orient gained promotion in the 2005/06 season, finishing in third place and gaining automatic promotion to the Football League One. This was the club's first automatic promotion in 36 years, and ended a period of eleven years in the English league's bottom division. This promotion season also saw an excellent FA Cup run, with Leyton Orient progressing to the fourth round after beating Premiership side Fulham F.C.. Promotion was only secured in the final minutes of the final game of the season, away at Oxford United; with the score tied at 2–2 and Orient seemingly destined to miss out yet again on promotion, news came through of a late goal scored against promotion rivals Grimsby Town F.C. that would potentially promote Orient, and the Orient fans were still celebrating this when just 14 seconds later, Lee Steele scored to confirm Orient's promotion. The result also relegated Oxford to the Football Conference. Grimsby's manager that season was Russell Slade, who would later become Orient's manager.

In 2006–07, Orient endured a difficult season in the third tier, having spent most of the season in or around the relegation zone, and were bottom of the table at times in the first half of the season. An improvement in fortunes after Christmas – including memorable wins against Millwall, Tranmere Rovers and a vital win at eventually-relegated Bradford City near the end of the season – helped them finish in 17th place, four spots above the relegation zone. Most of the promotion-winning side left at the end of the season, through a combination of players released and some rejecting new contracts, and while the club's longest-serving player Matthew Lockwood was one of those who signed a new contract, he later moved in pre-season to Nottingham Forest.

2007–08 was better, as Orient finished 14th with 60 points. The Os began the season in fine form, not dropping out of the top seven until after Christmas. However a loss of form in the second half of the season, recording only three wins from the last 12 games, meant the season ended in a respectable mid-table finish.

Leyton Orient kicked off the 2008–2009 season with a 2–1 win over Hereford United at home. Dean Beckwith put Hereford ahead before JJ Melligan and Adam Boyd gave Orient the win. Orient then continued the season with multiple poor results and performances throughout September and October and their only wins were away matches against Walsall and Southend United in the Football League Trophy first round. However Orient were knocked out of the Trophy in the following round in an away match at Brighton & Hove Albion. They were in 22nd position in the Football League One table. Orient booked a place in the second round of the FA Cup after beating Colchester United 1–0. Two Goals from Jason Demetriou and Danny Granville in a 1–2 away victory against Bradford City put Orient through to the third round of the FA Cup where they played Sheffield United at home. They lost 4–1 and, after a run of bad form in the League, Orient parted company with manager Martin Ling and assistant Dean Smith. Youth team manager Kevin Nugent was named caretaker manager overseeing three games. On 5 February 2009 Geraint Williams was announced as manager until the end of the season. He enjoyed a very positive start, winning seven of his first nine matches and moving Orient up to 15th. After Geraint Williams' positive influence on the team they secured their League One status on 13 April with a 1–0 win over Swindon Town at the County Ground, and eventually finished the season in 14th place.

Orient had a proud day when they beat former Premier league runners-up Newcastle United 6–1 in a pre season friendly match on 25 July 2009. By beating Colchester United away, in the 1st round of the Football League Cup Competition, they earned a home second round fixture against Premier League Club, Stoke City F.C.

On 3 April 2010 Geraint Williams was sacked as manager after a 3–1 home defeat to fellow relegation strugglers Hartlepool following a poor run of form. Kevin Nugent once again took control for the 2–1 defeat at Southampton on 5 April and after the match Russell Slade was named as manager until the end of the season. With even less time to save Orient from relegation than Williams before him, Slade managed to bring about a change in form that saw Orient finish in 17th place, just one point but four places clear of relegation. In the summer of 2010 Slade's contract was extended for two years. After a poor start to the 2010/11 season, Orient's league form picked up towards Christmas, culminating in an 8–2 win against non-league Droyslden in an FA Cup second round replay. In a game described as "the weirdest football match ever",Orient had trailed most of the game 2–0, but scored six goals in extra time to progress into the 3rd round. Orient then beat high-flying Championship side Norwich City 1–0 at Carrow Road to progress into the 4th round where they met another Championship side, Swansea City, at the Liberty Stadium. Orient beat Swansea 2–1 to set up a glamour 5th round tie against Premier League giants Arsenal at Brisbane Road, which finished in a 1–1 draw thanks to a late Jonathan Téhoué equaliser for the O's, to set up a replay at the Emirates Stadium. Leyton Orient lost that replay 0–5, bringing to an end their longest run in the FA Cup since 1981/82. Either side of the Arsenal games, Leyton Orient went on a club record-equalling 14 games unbeaten, putting them just outside the play-off positions. However they were unable to maintain that momentum and ultimately missed out on the play-off's by just one point.

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The 'weirdest game in Football'

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Record for most consecutive successful penalties scored in a shootout.

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First team Goalkeepers

Adam Legzdins

Squad Number: 1

Nationality: English

Born: 23/11/1986 - Stafford

Height: 191 cm

Weight: 78 kg

Previous clubs: Birmingham, Crewe, Burton, Derby

Signed: 2014

The experienced keeper signed for Orient this season after the departure of Jamie Jones. He joined for a free transfer and is a highly rated keeper, who was backup at Derby last season and made his name at Burton in his partnership with Nigel Clough.

Gary Woods

Squad Number: 33

Nationality: English

Born: 1/10/1990 - Kettering

Height: 185 cm

Weight: 77 kg

Previous clubs: Manchester United, Doncaster, Watford

Signed: 2014

Another experienced keeper, yet still young at 23. Starting his career at the Manchester United academy, he started playing regularly at Doncaster, making 73 appearances. He joined Orient on a free transfer at the start of the season and whilst Legzdins should perhaps start as main keeper for the first season, he will be competing for that place straight away. Good choice of keepers at the club.

First team Defenders

Elliot Omozusi

Squad Number: 2

Nationality: English

Born: 15/12/1988 - London

Height: 181 cm

Weight: 81 kg

Previous clubs: Fulham, Charlton

Signed: 2010

One of our better full backs at the club, Omozusi has had to earn the support from the Orient fans. Originally joining in 2010, with a good reputation, he was jailed for 2 years for intimidating a murder witness. He was offered a contract once he was released and became a key player, also being nominated for PFA Player in the Community for his work. A good player, who will be wanted by Wolves at the start of the game.

Scott Cuthbert

Squad Number: 5

Nationality: Scottish

Born: 15/6/1987 - Alexandria

Height: 188 cm

Weight: 89 kg

Previous clubs: Celtic, Livingston (Loan), St Mirren (Loan), Swindon

Signed: 2011/12

He was touted as a big thing and won 13 under-21 caps for Scotland, and although his International dreams were never fufilled, he has become a key part of the Orient squad. The big, centre-back has done a very good job in the defending area. The fans love him as he is one of the more consistent players in the team, versatile as well being able to play as a fullback or centre-back.

Gary Sawyer

Squad Number: 3

Nationality: English

Born: 5/7/1985 - Enfield

Height: 183 cm

Weight: 73 kg

Previous clubs: Plymouth, Exeter (Loan), Bristol Rovers (Loan), Bristol City (loan)

Signed: 2012/13

He is the backup left-back and a decent player. Will never be the first team unless there is an emergency but is a very capable player who is worth keeping as backup.

Shane Lowry

Squad Number: 12

Nationality: Australian

Born: 12/6/1989 - Perth

Height: 186 cm

Weight: 88 kg

Previous clubs: Aston Villa, Millwall

Signed: 2014

Another player that joined on a free transfer, very well regarded from his time at Millwall and his drop in league surprised many. A very good player that can play as centre-back or left-back. Very useful.

Mathieu Baudry

Squad Number: 6

Nationality: French

Born: 24/2/1988 - Le Havre

Height: 188 cm

Weight: 80 kg

Previous clubs: Havre Athletic Club, Troyes, Bournemouth, Dag & Red (Loan)

Signed: 2012/13

Having joined as a double deal from Bournemouth, alongside Michael Symes, he was the player the fans were least glad to see go, and he has shown Orient fans why they loved him, integrating seamlessly into English football and the Orient side. The defender, who can also play in defensive midfield, is very good physically and shows good anticipation and bravery in defence. Orient have a good trio of centre-backs but he should be a first teamer, I feel.

Nathan Clarke

Squad Number: 15

Nationality: English

Born: 30/11/1983 - Halifax

Height: 188 cm

Weight: 77 kg

Previous clubs: Huddersfield, Colchester (Loan), Bury (Loan), Oldham (Loan)

Signed: 2012/13

One of the experienced members of the squad at age 30, and captain of Leyton Orient, Nathan Clarke has won fans due to his truly brave performances and sublime leadership. He is also useful for flinging the ball into the box as throw in taker, and should be in and around the squad. Although he isn't the best centre-back in the squad, he is more than capable and is very good backup and should be pushing for a starting place.

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First Team Midfielders

Lloyd James

Squad Number: 8

Nationality: English

Born: 16/2/1988 - Bristol

Height: 181 cm

Weight: 71 kg

Previous clubs: Southampton, Colchester, Crawley (Loan)

Signed: 2012/13

A more than capable midfielder, not the strongest, but does a good job when called upon. In real-life, this player has been superb, and has a very good free-kick on him, even if the FM stats don't show their true worth. Depending on formation, he is unlikely to be first team but will certainly be pushing it.

Romain Vincelot

Squad Number: 4

Nationality: French

Born: 29/10/1985 - Poitiers

Height: 177 cm

Weight: 71 kg

Previous clubs: Charmois Niortais FC, FC Gueugnon, Dag & Red, Brighton,

Signed: 2012/13

A versatile midfielder that just seems to be everywhere. A hard-worker, his discipline is sometime off and can be suspended a lot but he is a truly superb act and is experienced, and is a first team centre-midfielder.

Marvin Bartley

Squad Number: 21

Nationality: English

Born: 4/7/1986 - Reading

Height: 180 cm

Weight: 79 kg

Previous clubs: Reading, Burnham, Hayes, Didcot, Hampton & Richmond, Bournemouth, Burnley

Signed: 2013/14

Not a fan favourite but a good player. Coming in from Championship side Burnley, he has an exceptional work-rate and brilliant physical stats that make him a great, battling centre-mid.

Bradley Pritchard

Squad Number: 18

Nationality: Zimbabwe

Born: 19/12/1985 - Harare

Height: 171 cm

Weight: 71 kg

Previous clubs: Tamworth, Charlton

Signed: 2014

Joined this season on a free transfer. He started his career late and actually worked at Charlton before getting a trial and impressing. Not the most naturally talented player but has immense work rate and will always do a job.

Jobi McAnuff

Squad Number: 11

Nationality: Jamaica

Born: 9/11/1981 - London

Height: 178 cm

Weight: 71 kg

Previous clubs: Wimbledon, Crystal Palace, Watford, Reading

Signed: 2014

Joined on a free transfer this season. The former captain of Reading during their Premiership years. He is a quality player who brings experience to the team. He can still be a first team player and a very dangerous one. Far too good for League 1.

Dean Cox

Squad Number: 7

Nationality: English

Born: 12/8/1987 - Brighton

Height: 163 cm

Weight: 69 kg

Previous clubs: Brighton, Eastbourne Borough (Loan), Bognor Regis (Loan)

Signed: 2010/11

A fan-favourite. A key player that has caused many a problem for the defenders over the years. He may be a midget, but he is good on the ball and great at running with it. He is another of your wingers that will receive interest, and is worth 1.4 million. I'd personally keep but a good opportunity to cash in if you wanted.

Jay Simpson

Squad Number: 27

Nationality: English

Born: 1/12/1988 - London

Height: 181 cm

Weight: 84 kg

Previous clubs: Arsenal, Hull, Buriram Utd

Signed: 2014

Joined on a free transfer this season. Once touted as a wonderkid when at Arsenal, he famously scored the first hattrick at the Emirates, but his career stalled and he recently spent two seasons in Thailand. He will score however and can play.

First Team Strikers

David Mooney

Squad Number: 10

Nationality: Irish

Born: 30/10/1984 - Dublin

Height: 183 cm

Weight: 75 kg

Previous clubs: Shamrock Rovers, Longford, Cork City, Reading, Stockport (Loan), Norwich (Loan), Charlton (Loan), Colchester (Loan)

Signed: 2011/12

A very good striker, wanted by Dundee United. He doesn't score much and hasn't in previous seasons for Orient but he has blossomed in real-life for Orient, standing top of the goal-scorers table with 13 goals in the league so far. He has built a killer partnership with Lisbie and is a first-team player.

Kevin Lisbie

Squad Number: 9

Nationality: Jamaican

Born: 17/10/1978 - London

Height: 178 cm

Weight: 73 kg

Previous clubs: Charlton, Gillingham (Loan), Reading (Loan), QPR (Loan), Norwich (Loan), Colchester, Ipswich, Millwall (Loan)

Signed: 2011/12

He may be old but he is a player of proper class. Heads and shoulders above the rest, with the exception of Odubajo and Cox, the Jamaican international will play a key part for the side this season. However, beware, he is old and will fail to play every match and if you are winning a game comfortably, he should be the first player you take off.

Shaun Batt

Squad Number: 14

Nationality: English

Born: 22/2/1987 - Harlow

Height: 188 cm

Weight: 81 kg

Previous Clubs: Stevenage, Cheshunt (Loan), Dag & Red, Leyton (Loan), Ilford (Loan), East Thurrock (Loan), St Albans (Loan), Fisher Athletic, Peterborough, Millwall, Crawley (Loan)

Signed: 2011/12

After impressing on loan last season, Shaun Batt made the decision to join Orient of a free transfer, much after a famous twitter plea by Leyton Orient owner Barry Hearn, and due to the form of the other two strikers Lisbie and Mooney, has been stuck to the bench most games, but frequent appearances of it has lead to him scoring regularly, meaning you have three very good strikers on your side. Furthermore, he is versatile and can play wing too.

Chris Dagnall

Squad Number: 23

Nationality: English

Born: 15/4/1986 - Birkenhead

Height: 178 cm

Weight: 69 kg

Previous clubs: Tranmere, Rochdale, Scunthorpe, Barnsley

Signed: 2013

A good goalscorer who is popular with the fans. Very high work rate but with the strikers here, I struggle to see how he'd fit in. I'd keep him as backup to add another dimension.

Darius Henderson

Squad Number: 24

Nationality: English

Born: 7/9/1981 - Sutton

Height: 191 cm

Weight: 90 kg

Previous clubs: Reading, Watford, Sheffield United, Millwall, Nottingham Forest

Signed: 2014

The definition of target man, he is strong and good in the air. One of your better strikers who will score when he playes. Keep him.

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Starting Eleven and Transfer Targets

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This is the team I would start with.

Keepers

Gary Woods and Adam Legzdins provide a very close competition in goal as both can play well. Personally, for the first season I'd play Legzdins in the league and Woods in the cups. Allow both to make an effort.

Transfer Targets: Not needed but if you were to go realistic, all the Orient fans would love you for bringing Eldin Jakupovic back from Hull who became a cult hero on loan last year.

Defence

Despite Nathan Clarke being a great captain, he is not the best defender in the squad. I feel Lowry and Baudry would make the best partnership, Lowry the strong, built defender and Baudry the more classier player. Cuthbert and Omozusi on the fullback positions will serve you well.

Transfer Targets: None needed again as you have a good number with capable backups.

Midfield

Very strong position. Lloyd James and Vincelot are set in the middle, I'd play James as a DLP and Vincelot as a Box-to-Box player. On the wings,you have McAnuff and Cox - both probably some of the best in the league. If you want to go more attacking, push them up as Inside Forwards.

Transfer Targets: Again, no-one needed. Very strong position.

Strikers

I'd play Henderson and Simpson up front. Henderson as a target man and Simpson as Poacher. You have perhaps too much competition and I'd keep Dagnall, Batt and sell Mooney.

Transfer Targets: Not needed.

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Why Play as Orient?

1 - You are surrounded by big, London clubs so will you be able to get the best youngsters?

2 - Players are too good for the league and this is your chance to get promoted, failure to do so may mean you lose your players.

3 - You have some cracking players and very sound financial footing, making it great club to build a career from.

So Enjoy.

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  • 2 weeks later...

Usually start with Portsmouth but gone the career path this time and what do I find - a great challenge in the mighty O's. Good looking squad, just a bit of tinkering required, had a very good pre season now for Chesterfield in the first League game. Some great info on this thread as well Thanks

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Usually start with Portsmouth but gone the career path this time and what do I find - a great challenge in the mighty O's. Good looking squad, just a bit of tinkering required, had a very good pre season now for Chesterfield in the first League game. Some great info on this thread as well Thanks

Thanks!

Yeah, they have a good squad to start with - the risk being that many will want to leave if you don't get promoted straight away!

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