Leyton Orient manager Justin Edinburgh has passed away at the age of 49 following a cardiac arrest, the club have confirmed.
Edinburgh was taken to hospital last Monday after being "taken ill unexpectedly".
The former Newport County and Gillingham boss had recently guided the O's to the National League title, sealing their return to the Football League, while in the same season the club also reached the final of the FA Trophy.
Chairman Nigel Travis told the club's website: “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 joined the O's in November 2017 after the club had difficulty adapting to life in non-league. He stabilised them and guided Orient to a 13th-place finish in the National League in 2017/18.
In 2018/19, the club pushed on under Edinburgh's stewardship and always looked to be one of the leading candidates for the league title before that position was confirmed on the final day of the season.
Edinburgh also had a successful playing career which started at Southend United, making 37 appearances and helping them secure promotion from Division Four.
He then played for Tottenham Hotspur, where he won both the FA Cup and League Cup in a 10-year stint at White Hart Lane.
His first venture into management came as the player-manager at Billericay Town between 2003 and 2006 before guiding Fisher Athletic to promotion and having spells as the assistant boss at Grays Athletic and Woking.
He was then appointed at Rushden & Diamonds but left after the club fell into administration to join Newport County, who he guided to the Football League after victory in the Conference Premier play-off final.
Prior to his time with Orient, Edinburgh spent two years with Gillingham and then had a brief stint with Northampton Town.
The wider football community and beyond have been paying tribute to the Orient boss.
We are deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the passing of Justin Edinburgh.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) June 8, 2019
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
EFL Executive Chair, Debbie Jevans: “Everyone associated with the EFL is shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Justin Edinburgh. Our thoughts are with his family and friends and all those associated with Leyton Orient Football Club at what is an incredibly sad time.”
— EFL (@EFL) 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.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 8, 2019
Rest in peace, Justin. pic.twitter.com/GTNbTcp9Fq
Everybody at Bristol City would like to send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Justin Edinburgh and everybody at Leyton Orient at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/CSC3OigkqR
— Bristol City FC (@BristolCity) June 8, 2019
We’re saddened by the passing of Justin Edinburgh. Our condolences are with his family, friends and everyone at @leytonorientfc.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) June 8, 2019
RIP Justin. https://t.co/cN4bpZ7o8o
Our thoughts are with the family, friends and everyone at @leytonorientfc following news of Justin Edinburgh's passing today.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 8, 2019
He is pictured playing for @SpursOfficial against Newcastle United in September 1996.
RIP Justin. pic.twitter.com/m3BtqNIxsY
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