Taylor has been replaced by first-team coach Paul Brush. Paul Clark will be assistant manager.

Despite guiding the club to two Division Three play-off finals since arriving at Brisbane Road in November 1996, Taylor has been unable to halt a poor start to the current season.

Orient have lost their last four games in all competitions - including a 4-2 home defeat to Shrewsbury on Saturday.

In a club statement chairman Barry Hearn said: "The board reluctantly agreed to accept Tommy's resignation but understand his wish to step down to allow his replacement the opportunity to improve current playing performances and results.

"Tommy has been a good manager and a great friend to Leyton Orient. We wish him every success with his future career in football and welcome Paul Brush as the new manager."

Taylor said he felt it was time to move on.

"Obviously recent results have not gone well for us and I thought it was time to bring in a new manager," he said.

"I've loved my time at Orient and have had some great moments and I would like to thank Barry and the board for their support."

New boss Brush is not looking for an instant remedy to the current problems. He said: "I'm delighted to get this chance at management after a long and successful association with youth development and coaching at the club.

"I'm not looking for any quick fixes, more a return to confident football played by what can be a good footballing side. I'm excited but realistic - we've a long way to go."