Leyton Orient interim head coach Ross Embleton admitted he had a tear in his eye as the O’s marked their first match since the death of Justin Edinburgh with a win.
Orient beat Cheltenham Town 1-0 thanks to Josh Wright’s second-half goal at an emotionally-charged Brisbane Road.
Tributes to Edinburgh, who died in June after a cardiac arrest at the age of 49, took place before the match and at half-time.
They spilled over into the game too, with supporters singing their former manager’s name and Wright dedicating his winning goal to him.
It was all part of an incredibly emotional day at Orient and Embleton, who was Edinburgh’s assistant and is now interim head coach, admitted after it left him close to tears at times.
“The fans brought a tear to my eye on a few occasions today - and not just with the Justin songs,” said Embleton.
“I think that has been the most surreal thing about dealing with the summer, when you have those strange old moments and you hear the people singing champions and different songs.
“All of a sudden it takes you back to last season and the special moments we all shared.
“I said to the boys before kick-off: ‘The messages I have received relating to the team have always been positive over the summer’.
“This crowd are willing and ready to back you and give you everything you need to go and have positive season.
“I thought we gave them the opportunity to do that today and some of the moments won’t be forgotten after today.”
