THE local football scene was stunned on Tuesday night by news of the sudden death of one of its most respected figures, Ken Bridge.

The manager of Ramsbottom United collapsed in the dressing room after his team's home game against Cheadle Town.

He joined Ramsbottom in 1994/95 when they were in the Manchester League Premier Division and masterminded success immediately with a Gilchryst Cup triumph. In 1995/6 United moved into the North West Counties League Division Two. That debut season saw a mid table finish boosted by a Divisional Cup win. That early promise was quickly fulfilled with the championship the next season and elevation to Division One. The three seasons in the top flight have seen successive final placings of 17th, 11th and last season a best ever for the Riverside outfit of third, all under Ken's expert guidance.

Club secretary John Maher said: "Ken was much more than just our first team manager. He was involved in all different facets of the club from raising money, to organising our traditional end of season trip to Ireland to turning up at the ground on a Sunday morning to replace divots on the pitch."

The club has requested league permission to postpone tomorrow's home meeting with St Helens Town and next Tuesday night's visit of Maine Road as a mark of respect.