STRIKER Russell Brierley says Ramsbottom have lost a 'great guy' in manager Ken Bridge.

The Rams boss, 56, collapsed and died of a heart attack following United's Tuesday night defeat to Cheadle Town at the Riverside.

"We are absolutely devasted. It is such a shock," said Brierley who was signed up by Bridge around five years ago.

"He was not just a manager to me but a good friend as well. I knew him from the non league scene before I signed up for Ramsbottom and I used to play golf with him.

"It was all so sudden. I had to go up to hospital to have stitches in my knee and obviously the ambulance had taken Ken there. The nurse then came in and told me that he hadn't made it and I was stunned.

"It's just devastating."

Bridge had been in charge at the Riverside since 1994/5 and led them to the NWCL Division Two championship, cup success and during his reign they finished third in Division One -- their highest ever placing.

"It is unbelievable," continued Brierley. "One minute he was given us a team talk and the next minute, he wasn't there.

"He was fantastic man. He did have a demeanour that he was the boss and he had some tough decisions to make as the manager but I always found him so approachable.

"I would take up any issues with him and we didn't aways agree but there was no grudges with Ken. He was a great guy."

Out of respect for Ken, Ramsbottom's game against St Helens Town tomorrow and their match next Tuesday against Maine Road have been postponed.

"We couldn't have played, it wouldn't have been right out of respect for Ken." STRIKER Russell Brierley says Ramsbottom have lost a 'great guy' in manager Ken Bridge.

The Rams boss, 56, collapsed and died of a suspected heart attack following United's Tuesday night defeat to Cheadle Town at the Riverside.

"We are absolutely devasted. It is such a shock," said Brierley, who was signed up by Bridge around five years ago. "He was not just a manager to me but a good friend as well. I used to play golf with him. It was all so sudden.

"I had to go up to hospital to have stitches in my knee and the nurse came in and told me that he hadn't made it and I was stunned.

"It's just devastating."

Bridge had been in charge at the Riverside since 1994/5 and led them to the NWCL Division Two championship and cup success. During his reign they finished third in Division One -- their highest ever placing. "He was a fantastic man," said Brierley.

"I could take up any issues with him and we didn't aways agree but there were no grudges with Ken. He was a great guy."

As a mark of respect, Ramsbottom's game against St Helens Town tomorrow and their match next Tuesday against Maine Road have been postponed.

"We couldn't have played, it wouldn't have been right out of respect for Ken."