Tributes have been paid to former Potters Bar Town manager Steve Browne who has died at the age of just 45.

Steve Browne was in charge of the 'Scholars' during Ryman League Division One North campaigns in the 2007/08 and 2008/09 seasons.

Town chairman Peter Waller said: “I was very sorry to hear on New Year’s Day, of the passing of our former manager Steve Browne.

“He was only 45 and had been fighting a battle with cancer.

“He was a very nice man, with a lovely family and was always amiable to talk to everyone.

“Wherever you went he was known by someone.

“Our thoughts are with Steve’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Browne was a former player, coach and manager at a number of non-league clubs including Aveley, Boreham Wood, Dover Athletic, Enfield Town, Grays Athletic, Billericay Town, Potters Bar Town and Wealdstone.

He was appointed manager of Bar in May 2007 and left the club in December 2008 for Enfield Town.

Welwyn Hatfield Times Potters Bar Edition sports editor Mark Hemmings added: “When starting out as a sports reporter, Steve was the first manager I had a really great working relationship with.

“He was always happy to chat regardless of the outcome of a match.

“He always wanted the best for his players and would try to help them to reach their potential.

“One such example saw him instrumental in organising a trial for Bar left back Nathan Smith with professional club Yeovil Town.

“They signed Nathan and he has since made more than 250 appearances in the Football League.

“The last time I saw Steve was in 2013 at the FA Youth Cup final at Stamford Bridge.

“He was a proud father as his son Rhys had been in the triumphant Norwich City squad that day.

“Despite the celebrations, Steve took the time to come and have a good post-match catch-up like he had always done during his time at Potters Bar.

“My thoughts go out to Steve’s friends and family.”

Potters Bar Town will be holding a minute’s silence in memory of Steve before Saturday’s home game with Farnborough.