FOUR former Darlington players are this evening taking part a charity match being held in memory of a well-known football figure in the town.

Nick Jay, 62, who died suddenly last October after suffering a heart attack, managed several teams over many years, and many of his former players are turning out to pay tribute.

Former Quakers Neil Maddison, Steven Johnson, Roger Wicks and Dale Anderson are playing, as well as well-known local league players Mark Ebdon and Marc Weldon and others to have played for Mr Jay’s teams.

He was once in charge of Northern Juniors, a team for talented teenagers, while in the 1990s he managed Shildon and Cleveland Bridge in the Northern League, and more recently was involved in over-40s football.

This evening’s game is being played at Darlington RA, Brinkburn Road, kicking-off at 6.45pm, with all proceeds going to the British Heart Foundation.

Long-time friend Ian Glendenning has organised the match, and he said: “Nick will be remembered as a likeable bloke, a gentle fellow and we all miss him.”

Mr Jay, originally from Fleetwood and a Blackpool fan though he also followed Quakers’ fortunes, was a school teacher and held positions at Skerne Park and North Road primary schools.