Mourning Orient the first home opponents

MACCLESFIELD Town take on Leyton Orient on Saturday in their first home game of the 2019/20 campaign.

Orient have named Ross Embleton as their interim manager following the tragic death of manager Justin Edinburgh earlier in the summer.

The 49-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest in June and a number of players paid tributes to their former boss following Saturday’s 1-0 home win against Cheltenham Town.

Embleton started his career at Leyton Orient’s Centre of Excellence as Youth Development Manager. He then had spells at Tottenham, Bournemouth, and Swindon Town.

Danny Webb has been promoted to interim assistant coach, Webb was also on Edinburgh’s backroom team. Jobi McAnuff will act as an interim player/coach.

Fittingly, it was Josh Wright - the last player signed by Edinburgh - who scored the winning goal to defeat the Robins at the weekend.

Asked if he thought Edinburgh would have been proud of Orient’s performance on Saturday, Embleton said: “I hope so. We certainly are.

“There were any number of players that, had they scored, they would have dedicated it to the gaffer.

“But at the same time, with Josh’s history, coming back here and making his first start in the Football League for us, I’m delighted for him.”

Two flags, including one paid for by money raised by two Cheltenham supporters’ groups, were carried around the pitch before kick-off.

A minute’s silence was also held, while home supporters held up banners to create a “JE3” mosaic.