Leyton Orient manager and former Tottenham and Portsmouth defender Justin Edinburgh has died aged 49.
Edinburgh was rushed to hospital on Monday after falling ill unexpectedly.
The former Tottenham defender had travelled to Spain over the weekend to watch his beloved Spurs, for whom he made 215 Premier League appearances, in the Champions League Final with friends and other former players.
But he was taken to hospital shortly after returning home.
Leyton Orient’s statement on Twitter on Saturday said: “It is with profound and utmost sadness that Leyton Orient announces its manager Justin Edinburgh has passed away.”
Edinburgh leaves wife Kerri and their children Charlie and Cydnie.
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.”
Shortly after his return to the UK he suffered a cardiac arrest and on Saturday, Leyton Orient confirmed the terrible news of his death.
Edinburgh played for Spurs between 1990 and 2000, featuring more than 200 times, winning the FA Cup in 1991 and the League Cup eight years later.
Before joining Spurs in 1990 Edinburgh started his career at Southend.
He ended his playing career at Billericay Town and also managed them during his spell there.
Edinburgh then took charge of the likes of Rushden and Diamonds before enjoying a successful period at Newport County.
In 2012-13, Edinburgh steered Newport back to the Football League, after a 25-year absence, via the play-offs.
He also had spells at Gillingham and Northampton Town before joining Orient in 2017.
The O’s missed out on the non-League Double when they lost the FA Trophy final to Fylde but the priority was always to get back to the Football League and Edinburgh got them there by topping the National League table by three points from closest challengers Solihull Moors.
Edinburgh took the time while leading Orient’s promotion push to help raise almost £5,000 for the Epilepsy Society by running in the London Marathon alongside his son, Charlie, in April. Justin was forced to pull out of the race with a knee injury but Charlie, who suffered from benign rolandic epilepsy, completed the race.
Everyone here at The72 would like to pass on our thoughts and prayers with Justin’s family and friends at this terribly sad time. ❤️
