Former Southend United and Spurs star Justin Edinburgh is the new manager of Ryman Premier Billericay Town.

The 33-year-old holder of FA Cup and League Cup winners' medals while with Tottenham was appointed late last night by New Lodge chairman Rod Moore.

Within minutes of tying-up the deal for Basildon-born Edinburgh, who has lived in Billericay for the past 15 years, Moore said: "I'm excited at the appointment -- and I believe our fans will be as well.

"I'm absolutely delighted that Justin's agreed to be our new manager.

"His enthusiasm for the task in hand was overwhelming from the moment I first spoke to him about the position following Gary Calder's resignation little more than a week ago.

"This is very much a change in direction for Billericay. I said from the outset that I wanted to get away from the usual merry-go-round of non-league managers and I regard this as a high profile appointment for the club."

Moore admitted that he had been impressed by the quality of candidates for the New Lodge hot-seat, who included former Shrimpers manager and player Paul Clark, who many had regarded as favourite for the job.

Edinburgh, who finished his full-time playing days due to injury while with Portsmouth, admitted he was delighted to have been given his first entry into the world of management.

"I can promise everyone connected with the club that I will give 110 per cent to the task of bringing success to Billericay Town," he said.

"As a local man I know all about the tremendous achievements of Billericay over the years and I'll certainly be looking to bring more glory to the club.

Published Tuesday, May 20, 2003

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