FORMER Potters Bar Town FC league title-winning manager Ray Kierstenson has died.

He joined The Scholars from Boreham Wood as joint boss alongside Micky Darling in 1996 and stayed with the club for three seasons.

Scholars chairman Peter Waller remembers the duo’s time in charge fondly.

He said: “Ray was a really nice guy and someone everyone in football liked.

“He was one of the best managers I have worked with.

“He and Micky elevated the club to a higher level.”

Together they guided the Times Territory side to the South Midlands League Premier Division title in the 1996/97 campaign. However, the club was not promoted as at the time the Parkfield ground needed upgrading.

During the 1997/98 season Potters Bar enjoyed an epic and memorable FA Vase ride under Ray and Micky.

They made club history by reaching the quarter-finals of the national competition, before losing out 2-0 to Kidsgrove Athletic after extra-time.

In the next two terms the side finished runners-up in the league, before the management duo left the club after the 1998/99 season due to work commitments.

A minute’s applause was given by Town players in memory of Ray prior to Saturday’s Ryman League Division One North home match with Ilford.

Jason Valentine, regional advertising manager for Archant Herts and Cambs, which publishes the Potters Bar Edition, played under Ray for the Scholars in the late 1990s.

He said: “He was a great man and a great manager.

“Ray was an honest manager, always encouraging and wanting you to do well.

“I was lucky enough to play for him in the team, and have fond memories of the club.”

He added: “My thoughts are with Ray’s family and friends.”

Ray’s funeral is to be held tomorrow (Thursday) in Wiltshire.