Leyton Orient director of football Martin Ling praised the “phenomenal” job that Justin Edinburgh has done since he took over at the club.

Edinburgh guided the O’s back to the Football League in his first full season in charge at the club, and Ling was delighted with how the boss has gone about his job in difficult circumstances.

After Saturday’s match, he said: “When we came in we made a decision to fetch Steve Davis in and that didn’t quite work. Since the minute Justin walked into the club, if you put his record of games and points ratio over the time he’s been here he’d be the best in the country, or near the best in the country.

“He’s been phenomenal, he had a knowledge of this league and that was important when we took him. I think Justin would be the first to say he’s still got a little bit to prove within the league and I know that because I know him really well. We’ve known each other since he was 18 and I was 21 because we played together. I know he’s got the determination to take this club back to where it belongs.”

Although grateful to Edinburgh for his part played in the success, Ling also paid tribute to the owners, who have transformed the running of the club compared to the previous regime that brought about the dark days for the club.

He said: “They probably look even better than what they actually are because of how bad the previous one was. If I compare them to Barry [Hearn] if I’m totally honest they are fresh, enthusiastic.

“They’ve come in and Nigel [Travis] is a Leyton Orient fan, and Kent [Teague] is just so enthusiastic but with a plan. They’re brilliant to work for and they leave me to do my job. Obviously I have to run certain things by them but they trust me, they trust Danny Macklin on the business side of it as well and they’re a pleasure to work for.”