The 2002-03 campaign for Leyton Orient saw The O's battling for mid-table respectability, ultimately finishing 18th in the Third Division (the fourth tier) under the guidance of manager Paul Brush. Leading the line with his characteristic physical style was the newly-signed centre-forward Lee Thorpe, whose crucial 8 league goals anchored an attack that struggled for consistent form. It was a season of consolidation in the professional ranks for the Brisbane Road faithful, ending safely clear of relegation and marking a chapter built on hard graft in the lower divisions.