Gordon Livsey, Workington’s first manager after they lost their Football League status in 1977, has died at the age of 79.

A goalkeeper Livsey, who played for Wrexham (79 games) and Chester (44) in the Football League had moved to Kettering in 1972 where he earned a big reputation.

It was something of a surprise when he was appointed Reds’ player manager in July 1977 soon after they had been voted out of the league as he had no managerial experience before.

He was in charge for 28 games before he resigned in December 1977 and had played in all but four of those.

Reds had won five, lost 12 and drawn 11 under his leadership as they adjusted to life in the Northern Premier League.

Livsey’s departure led to Dave Wilson taking on the role as player manager, a position he held until the end of the season.

Keighley-born Livsey wasn’t the biggest for a keeper, only 5ft 10ins, but he was extremely agile and he also possessed an enormous kick.

Under today’s assists stat he would have gathered a few with his ability to consistently reach the opposition penalty area.

Former Kettering team-mate and centre-forward Jim Conde fondly recalled how Gordon would deliver the ball straight into the box, creating scoring opportunities time and again.

He was particularly well thought of in Kettering, to where he returned after leaving Workington and a final brief spell in the Football League with Hartlepool (6 games).

He made 315 appearances for the Poppies and kept 91 clean sheets, a record that still stands to this day.

After his brief stay with Hartlepool he had spells at Leamington, Nuneaton, and Scarborough.

Kettering planned to have a minute’s applause ahead of their fixture against Halesowen this afternoon, in the presence of his family and former teammates.

His son was a coach with the Kettering junior set-up and his grandson captain of a successful youth side.