Leyton Orient manager Justin Edinburgh has died after suffering a cardiac arrest on Monday, the club have confirmed.
The 49-year-old was taken to hospital after falling ill, but passed away on Saturday.
Edinburgh, who played for Tottenham, Portsmouth and Southend, won the National League title this season with Orient, as well as guiding his side to the FA Trophy final.
‘We are completely heartbroken by this tragedy,’ said Orient chairman Nigel Travis in a statement on the club website.
‘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.’
It is with profound and utmost sadness that Leyton Orient announces its manager Justin Edinburgh has passed away.#LOFC #OnlyOneOrient
— Leyton Orient (@leytonorientfc) June 8, 2019
Edinburgh leaves behind his wife Kerri and their two children Charlie and Cydnie.
The former Tottenham player had been in Spain to watch Spurs take on Liverpool in the Champions League final, before falling ill on his return home.
After Orient had slipped out of the Football League in 2017, Edinburgh was appointed as manager, replacing Steve Davis. Edinburgh helped rebuild the club and secured promotion back into the EFL last April.
Tributes have poured in for Edinburgh after news of his tragic death broke.
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. #RipJustin
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) June 8, 2019
We are deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the passing of Justin Edinburgh.
Our heartfelt condolences and thoughts go out to his family and friends at this terribly difficult time as well as everyone that worked alongside Justin at Leyton Orient. pic.twitter.com/rFRZZYNuLa
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 8, 2019
We’re saddened by the passing of Justin Edinburgh. Our condolences are with his family, friends and everyone at @leytonorientfc.
RIP Justin. https://t.co/cN4bpZ7o8o
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 8, 2019
So so sad to hear the devastating news that O’s manager Justin Edinburgh has passed away. All our thoughts with his family ?
— Eddie Hearn (@EddieHearn) June 8, 2019
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.
Rest in peace, Justin. pic.twitter.com/GTNbTcp9Fq
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 8, 2019
Everyone at Northampton Town Football Club is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former manager Justin Edinburgh. https://t.co/Dglc6CF9c2
— Northampton Town (@ntfc) June 8, 2019
Absolutely shocking news about the death of Justin Edinburgh. Taken far too young. Thoughts go out to his family.
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) June 8, 2019
The EFL is incredibly saddened to hear news of the passing of Leyton Orient manager, Justin Edinburgh.
Our thoughts and condolences are with his family, friends and all those associated with the club at this difficult time.
— EFL (@EFL) June 8, 2019
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. ❤️ https://t.co/JelZmCrgZD
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) June 8, 2019
MORE: Ed Woodward hesitant about Manchester United’s transfer move for Bruno Fernandes
