Justin Edinburgh: Footballers pay respects at memorial service

Football stars have gathered for a memorial service honouring Leyton Orient manager Justin Edinburgh.

Edinburgh died on 8 June at the age of 49, five days after he had a cardiac arrest.

The service was held at Chelmsford Cathedral, with former Tottenham players Glenn Hoddle, Sol Campbell and Ossie Ardiles among the guests.

Edinburgh guided Leyton Orient back to the English Football League last season as champions of the National League.

Former England players Rob Lee and Teddy Sheringham, Doncaster Rovers manager Darren Moore and Salford City boss Graham Alexander also attended.

They were joined by Leyton Orient captain Jobi McAnuff and Peterborough United director of football Barry Fry.

In a statement via the League Managers’ Association, the Edinburgh family said: “This celebration of Justin’s life was exactly as he would have wanted it, surrounded by hundreds of his family, friends, colleagues, former colleagues and fans.

“We have appreciated every gesture of goodwill, every tribute and everyone who touched Justin during his incredible life.”

Fans entered a ballot for tickets to sit inside the cathedral, with those unsuccessful able listen to proceedings from outside.

Many turned up in football shirts of Edinburgh’s former clubs, while there were also floral tributes left in the shape of the Tottenham club crest.

Edinburgh had previously managed Northampton Town, Gillingham and Newport County before moving to Orient in November 2017.

As a player Edinburgh won the FA Cup with Tottenham, playing alongside Gary Lineker and Paul Gascoigne.

After his death, Orient chairman Nigel Travis said: “We are completely heartbroken by this tragedy.”