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Former Queens Park Rangers defender Mauro Milanese has been appointed manager of League One Leyton Orient.

The 43-year-old Italian, who was named Orient's sporting director in August, comes in following the departure of Russell Slade for Cardiff.

Kevin Nugent had been in temporary charge of the O's and will remain at the club as coach.

Orient have won just three games this season and are 18th in League One, one point above the relegation zone.

Milanese had a 19-year professional career which included spells at Italian sides Torino, Napoli and Perugia as well as a two years in England at QPR.

"After a tricky couple of months, and in order for the club to be closer to the players, as of Monday, Mauro Milanese will take charge as team manager with Kevin Nugent as coach," said Orient in a statement.

"Having worn the the shirt of great Italian clubs such as Inter, Napoli and Parma, as well as being a graduate of the prestigious Mauro will be an important fixture on the Orient bench providing an effective, hands-on presence for the players."

The O's were taken over by Italian Francesco Becchetti in July.