CHELSEA boss Frank Lampard wore a pin to commemorate Justin Edinburgh on what would have been the ex-Spurs defender and Leyton Orient chief’s 50th birthday.
The O’s tweeted in response: “The football family is class” as they honoured Edinburgh, who died in June following a cardiac arrest just weeks after leading them back into the Football League.
Lampard‘s gesture at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea lost 1-0 to Bournemouth, drew praise on social media.
Comments included: “Proper football fan”, “Love it!”, Fank is class” and “Ny heart melts”.
Edinburgh was taken unwell a week after watching Spurs lose the Champions League final 2-0 to Liverpool on June 1.
He left behind wife Kerri and their children Charlie and Cydnie.
Left-back Edinburgh was a top-flight regular with Tottenham, playing 249 times following a £150,000 switch from Southend in 1990.
After 36 games for Portsmouth he became player-boss at Billericay, nearjis home town Basildon in Essex.
Following managerial spells at fellow non-League clubs Fisher Athletic, Grays and Rushden and Diamonds, Edinburgh took over Newport.
First, steering the Exiles away from relegation in the then Conference, he then returned them to the Football League the next season.
Two years bossing Gillingham and eight months in charge at Northampton followed.
Then he rebuilt his reputation after struggling Orient appointed him chief in November 2017.
They won the National League title the following term.
And celebrations were still fresh when football was rocked by his early death on June 8 this year.
O’s chairman Nigel Travis said at the time: “We are completely heartbroken by this tragedy.
“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.”
Tributes flowed in from his former clubs, as well as players and managers past and present.
Manchester United legend Gary Neville tweeted: “You’re a Champion that managed a team that played with your spirit.”
