Bert Wright

ONE of the founders of Potters Bar Town FC has died at the age of 95.

Club officials said they were extremely sad this week to lose the “wonderful” Bert Wright, who has been president since 1988 and was life member.

In a tribute to the Forbes Avenue resident, who died on Wednesday, chairman Peter Waller said: “We are extremely sad to lose him, but after 52 years I think we all can say he deserves a break!

“He helped to start the club as Mount Grace Old Scholars in 1960 and has continued to support us to this day, often sending encouraging letters and always saying how proud he was of the club’s achievements,” he added.

“We know his support and influence will continue into the years ahead.”

World War Two Royal Engineer veteran Bert, who was awarded the Burma Star, was the caretaker at Mount Grace and lived at the school with his wife Phyllis.

In 1960, Ken Barrett, the PE teacher, wanted to form a Saturday team.

He asked Bert to assist and from that day Bert helped establish, nurture and build up the club, using the Church Road school’s facilities.

The Tottenham Hotspur fan, who originally lived in Tottenham, was first team manager a year later and the side won various honours and promotions.

By 1970 the club gained promotion to the Herts County League Division 1, before he stepped down to take charge of the reserves – winning a league title in a season including only one loss.

Peter continued: “Nothing was too much trouble for him, when asked to help out.

“He watched us regularly and travelled to some away days, including probably the biggest game we have played, in the FA Cup in 2007, at Conference National Woking, where he proudly encouraged the club’s chances.”

In the club’s 50th year he received an “overwhelming” reception at the anniversary dinner and later that year was presented the Football Association and Hertfordshire Football Association’s 50th Year Special Achievement Award.

His nephew Chris Heath, who lived next door to the member of a book club and a bowls club, said: “He was liked by everybody and seemed to know everybody.

“Shopping with him would take two hours as everyone would come up and say hello!

“He was a fantastic character and was always very active.”

His funeral will take place at Our Lady and St Vincent Church, Mutton Lane, at 10am tomorrow (Thursday).