Kevin Nolan has been without a club since leaving West Ham

Kevin Nolan has been named player-manager of Leyton Orient, the Sky Bet League 2 club has confirmed.

Nolan has signed a two-and-a-half year contract at the Matchroom Stadium and succeeds Ian Hendon.

Hendon was sacked in the wake of Sunday's 3-1 home defeat to Exeter City following a poor run of form which saw Orient win just once in their last eight league matches. They currently lie 11th in the table after 26 games, three points off the play-off places.

Ian Hendon was sacked after a run of just one league win in eight matches

Former West Ham captain Nolan has been training with Orient since leaving Upton Park by mutual consent in August.

The 33-year-old will take charge of training on Friday morning and will be in the dugout for Saturday's match against Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park.

"Kevin brings with him invaluable expertise and know how, with 17 years' experience in high level football," said a statement on Leyton Orient's website.

"A number of strong candidates were interviewed by the chairman, but Kevin's hunger, desire and passion to succeed at Leyton Orient, coupled with his experience, were key in the decision process and the club believe they have the man to take Leyton Orient forward and improve the club's position."

Meanwhile, Orient have announced the signing of Nigel Atangana from Portsmouth for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old, who made 48 appearances and scored one goal for Pompey since joining from Havant & Waterlooville in 2014, has signed an 18-month deal at The Matchroom Stadium.