Carlisle United have joined in the tributes after the tragic death of Leyton Orient manager Justin Edinburgh.

Orient, who United will face in League Two next season, tonight said it was "with profound and utmost sadness" that they announced Edinburgh had passed away.

It followed a cardiac arrest suffered by the 49-year-old last Monday.

Carlisle said their thoughts were with Edinburgh's family and friends, and with everyone at Orient.

The Blues' director of football David Holdsworth also said he knew Edinburgh well and added: "Justin was a close personal friend and everyone is devastated at this news.

"He was a football man through and through and an extremely professional and well-respected player and manager.

"Words can’t explain how sad we are, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

In a statement, Orient chairman Nigel Travis said: "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."

Edinburgh had been preparing to lead Orient into a new League Two season after he guided them to the National League title in May.

Travis added: "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.”

In his playing days Basildon-born left-back Edinburgh was best known for a decade-long spell with Tottenham Hotspur, where he made well over 200 appearances and enjoyed FA Cup and League Cup success.

He also played for Southend, Portsmouth and Billericay, before moving into management with Billericay, Fisher Athletic, Grays Athletic, Rushden & Diamonds, Newport County, Gillingham, Northampton and, since 2017, Orient.

Players, managers and clubs from across football have paid tribute to Edinburgh.

In a statement Tottenham said: “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.”

The League Managers’ Association also paid tribute to Edinburgh. Chairman Howard Wilkinson described him as "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.”

Spurs and England legend Gary Lineker 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."

Edinburgh leaves wife Kerri and children Charlie and Cydnie.