Leyton Orient manager and ex-Spurs player Justin Edinburgh dies, aged 49

Jobi McAnuff of Leyton Orient celebrates with Justin Edinburgh manager of Leyton Orient as they win the title
Jobi McAnuff pictured celebrating Leyton Orient's title win with Justin Edinburgh Credit: GETTY IMAGES

Tributes have been paid to Leyton Orient manager and former Tottenham defender Justin Edinburgh who has died at the age of 49. The club announced Edinburgh's death in a statement yesterday, saying their manager had died five days after suffering a cardiac arrest.

He had just returned from watching his former side Tottenham in the Champions League final.

"We are completely heartbroken by this tragedy”, said Orient chairman Nigel Travis. “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."

Edinburgh had just guided Orient to promotion back to the English Football League after taking over in November 2017 as the club began an extensive rebuild. He also led them to this season's FA Trophy final where they lost 1-0 to AFC Fylde and won 45 and drew 21 of his 82 matches in charge of the club.

"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," Travis added.

As a left-back, Edinburgh made his name at Tottenham, making more than 250 appearances in a 10-year stay, winning the FA Cup in 1991 and the League Cup in 1999. He had travelled to Madrid last weekend to watch his former side in their Champions League final defeat by Liverpool before being taken to hospital on Monday.

"We are deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the passing of Justin Edinburgh," Spurs said. "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."

Edinburgh started his career at Southend, where he made 37 appearances and helped the club win promotion from Division Four before moving to Tottenham in 1990, initially on loan. After a decade at White Hart Lane, the Basildon-born full-back spent three years at Portsmouth before returning to Essex to end his playing career as player manager of Billericay Town between 2003 and 2006. As a manager, he had spells at Billericay, Fisher Athletic, Grays Athletic, Rushden and Diamonds, Newport, Gillingham and Northampton before taking over at Orient.

The League Managers Association paid tribute to Edinburgh, with chairman Howard Wilkinson calling him a "true professional". Wilkinson said: "A hard-working man who became successful as a player at the highest level of the game and turned his love of football into a life-long career as a coach and as a manager.

"At a time when he should be celebrating the success of his team and preparing for the rewards of league football next season, he has been lost to the game and to his community too soon."

Gary Neville, co-owner of Salford City who finished second behind Orient in the National League this season, 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." 

Former Spurs player and manager Glenn Hoddle, who suffered a cardiac arrest last Novemeber, tweeted: "Devastated to  hear the very sad and tragic news regarding Justin. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this extremely difficult time."   

Former Tottenham teammate Darren Anderton also tweeted: "Can't believe it.. such  sad news about Justin..it's not fair. One of the greatest guys you could ever  wish to meet. When you were around him, you just laughed and smiled constantly.  RIP mate." 

Edinburgh leaves behind his wife, Kerri, and their two children Charlie and Cydnie.

License this content