LEYTON Orient manager Justin Edinburgh has died at the age of 49 after suffering a cardiac arrest.

The club announced Edinburgh's death in a statement, saying the former Tottenham defender had died on Saturday after suffering the arrest on Monday.

"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.

"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.

Tottenham Hotspur, for whom Edinburgh played in the 1990s, tweeted: "We are deeply saddened and shocked to hear of the passing of Justin Edinburgh.

"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."

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.

"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 also played for Portsmouth and Billericay, having started his career at Southend.

As a manager, he had spells at Billericay, Fisher Athletic, Grays Athletic, Rushden and Diamonds, Newport, Gillingham and Northampton before taking over at Orient.

Bradford City tweeted: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Justin's friends and family - and everyone @leytonorientfc."

Two more clubs previously managed by Edinburgh tweeted their condolences.

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."

Gary Lineker, who played with Edinburgh at Spurs in the early nineties, tweeted: "Deeply saddened to hear that Justin Edinburgh has passed away. He was an excellent coach and a terrific fullback who was a delight to share a dressing room with and have as a teammate. Thoughts are with his family. #RipJustin"

Southend United, where Edinburgh began his playing career, tweeted: "The thoughts and heartfelt condolences of everyone at Southend United Football Club are with Justin Edinburgh's family and friends and everyone at @leytonorientfc during this incredibly difficult time. RIP Justin."

Lord Sugar, who was Tottenham chairman during Edinburgh's time at the club, tweeted he was "so sorry" to hear the news of his death.

He added: "One of my players at @SpursOfficial always gave it all for the club RIP."

Leyton Orient tweeted a picture of the fixture board outside the Matchroom Stadium, which had been amended to read "RIP Justin."

"We're touched by all the love and kindness. Rest in peace, Justin. We love you with all our hearts. Forever," the club added.