A memorial service for former Gillingham manager Justin Edinburgh is due to take place at Chelmsford Cathedral this morning.

The 49-year-old, who managed the Gills between 2015 and 2017, died last month after suffering a cardiac arrest.

More than 700 people are expected at the cathedral to celebrate his life while the service will also be broadcast to those gathered outside.

Books of condolence were opened at Priestfield stadium for fans to pay tribute following news of his shock death, while the club's chairman Paul Scally described him as a 'great guy'.

He said: "Every day he was here at Gillingham it was fun," said the chairman, who negotiated hard back in February 2015 to get him away from Newport County.

"I feel for the family, I knew Kerri (Justin's wife), I knew Charlie (his son) and I knew his daughter (Cydnie), not so well, but I saw Kerri and Charlie a lot and I can't even imagine what they are going through, they must be past devastated.

"My heart goes out to them because at 49, you don't expect to lose your dad, your husband, not at that age, especially so suddenly and I can't get my head around it really."

Edinburgh was appointed Gills boss in February 2015 after leaving League 2 Newport but was sacked in January 2017.

After a brief spell with Northampton, he later went on to become Leyton Orient manager, in November 2017, and guided the club back into the Football League as National League champions last season.

A foundation set up in his name following his death has raised more than £16,000 and will go towards health and wellbeing causes.

Edinburgh started his playing career at Southend before joining Tottenham, where he made more than 200 appearances and won both the FA Cup and League Cup.

He later moved to Portsmouth before turning his hand to management at the likes of Billericay, Fisher and Rushden & Diamonds before linking up with Newport County.

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