By Ian Hughes

A move to the 2012 Olympic stadium intrigues Hearn

Leyton Orient owner Barry Hearn has revealed that the club are discussing the possibility of a move into the London Olympic Stadium after 2012.

Hearn told BBC Sport: "In principle, Leyton Orient fits the criteria as occupants of the Olympic stadium.

"We are probably the only football club in the region who could move into the stadium but we need lots of talks yet."

On Wednesday, the London Olympic Board turned down West Ham's request to use the Olympic stadium after the Games.

The Olympic Board said it would not be able to deliver an Olympic stadium on time and on budget in collaboration with West Ham, or any other Premiership club.

However, Hearn feels Orient's lesser need for capacity would prevent the "design changes and associated time delays", which the Olympic Board felt West Ham would need.

We want to discuss the validity of being there and ask ourselves if we can be of benefit to the community Barry Hearn

Orient's current home, Brisbane Road, will be expanded at the end of this season to hold 10,000 - which remains 15,000 fewer than Olympic Stadium.

And Hearn also feels that Orient fits in with the Olympic Board's commitment to provide "a mixed sport offering combined with commercial, school and community use" after the Games.

"The Olympic movement has laid down certain criteria for the Olympics legacy," said Hearn.

"It wants to leave a lasting investment in the area in which the Games were held.

"In our case, we are already involved in working hand-in-hand with the community.

"We have our sports program, which reaches out to, and helps, thousands of kids. It is a registered charity and something we are very proud of.

"Having these ties with the local community is part of our role - and that is all part and parcel of the Olympic ideal."

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Hearn admits there are lots of issues that would need to be resolved but sees the potential move as a possible dawn of a new era for Orient.

"We need to ask ourselves if we want to be in a 25,000-seater stadium - it might be a bit lonely," said Hearn.

"And will a ground with an athletics track around it lack atmosphere?

"Also, how will we resolve the operational costs?

"But we want to discuss the validity of being there and ask ourselves if we can be of benefit to the community.

"We owe it to ourselves and our fans to look into the chance of moving into the Olympic Stadium."