Justin Edinburgh dead: Leyton Orient manager and former Tottenham Hotspur defender dies aged 49

The former Tottenham, Portsmouth and Southend player was taken to hospital on Monday after a cardiac arrest and died six days later

Leyton Orient manager Justin Edinburgh has died at the age of 49 (Getty)

Leyton Orient manager Justin Edinburgh has died at the age of 49, the Football League club have announced.

Edinburgh suffered a cardiac arrest last Monday having flown to Spain to watch his former club Tottenham Hotspur play in the Champions League final.

The former Tottenham, Portsmouth and Southend defender was rushed to hospital but died on Saturday.

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

“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 joined Orient as head coach in November 2017 and lead the club back into the Football League as National League champions this season.

He had previously managed Northampton Town, Gillingham and Newport County.

“We are deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the passing of Justin Edinburgh,” his former club Spurs said in a statement.

“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.”

Another of Edinburgh's former clubs, Portsmouth, said: “Pompey are shocked and saddened by the death of Leyton Orient manager Justin Edinburgh at the age of just 49.

“Everyone at Pompey would like to send their deepest condolences to Justin's wife Kerri, their children, and his family and friends at this difficult time.”