Tributes pour in for Leyton Orient manager Justin Edinburgh who died of cardiac arrest

Credit: PA

Tributes have poured in for Leyton Orient manager Justin Edinburgh who has died at the age of 49.

The former Tottenham player suffered a cardiac arrest last Monday and passed away on Saturday, Leyton Orient confirmed.

Edinburgh's former team led the tributes to the footballer, as did a number of his ex-teammates.

Tributes and flowers have been left outside Leyton Orient football club. Credit: PA

Tottenham Hotspur said in a statement: "The passing of Justin Edinburgh has come as a great shock to us all at Spurs.

"A fiercely-competitive full-back, Justin made 276 appearances for us in all competitions between 1990-2000, winning the FA Cup in 1991 and League Cup in 1999."

His former team described him as a "modern-day full-back, always looking to get forward yet strong in the tackle, determined and full of belief."

Gary Lineker, who played with Edinburgh at Spurs, wrote on Twitter: "Deeply saddened to hear that Justin Edinburgh has passed away. He was an excellent coach and a terrific fullback who was a delight to share a dressing room with and have as a teammate. Thoughts are with his family."

Gary Neville tweeted: "My sincerest condolences to all your family Justin and to everyone at Leyton Orient.

“You’re a Champion that managed a team that played with your spirit.”

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn wrote: "So so sad to hear the devastating news that O’s manager Justin Edinburgh has passed away. All our thoughts with his family.”

Chelsea FC said: "Everyone at Chelsea FC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Justin Edinburgh today. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone at Leyton Orient at this time."

Orient chairman Nigel Travis said: “We are completely heartbroken by this tragedy.

“All our thoughts and love are with the Edinburgh family and we know from the messages that have flooded into the Club over the last week that the wider football world will share our sentiments.

“The success that Justin brought to Leyton Orient was incredible, but more importantly the impact he had on us all as a winner and a wonderful, inspirational human being will be his legacy and will stay with us forever.”

Edinburgh playing for Tottenham Hotspur against Coventry City in 1997. Credit: PA

The Spurs legend was at the Champions League final in Madrid, but fell ill when he returned and was taken to hospital.

Edinburgh had just secured the O's promotion back into the Football League as National Champions last month.

He joined the club back in 2017 and secured a mid-table finish, but was able to build on his success, winning 45 and drawing 21 of his 82 matches in charge and securing the National League title and a return to Wembley for the FA Trophy Final.

The footballer made 276 appearances for Spurs between 1990-2000, winning the FA Cup in 1991 and League Cup in 1999.