A FORMER football manager who was cleared of murder by an Old Bailey jury has died.

Harry Richardson was accused of ordering the fatal shooting of 63-year-old George Francis from Beckenham in 2003 but was found not guilty in 2007.

Mr Francis is believed to have helped dispose of a large part of the Brinks-Mat gold bullion heist in 1983.

Mr Richardson, a former Cray Wanderers FC player and manager, died last Monday (February 8) aged 62 after an unsuccessful heart operation.

Dave Jackson from Blackheath played under Mr Richardson in the early 80s.

The 62-year-old said: “He was a real character and a gentleman - a really lovely man.

“I’m sure a lot of people will miss him around here.”

Another former Wands player Kevin Walsh, from Chislehurst, said: “You couldn’t help but like him.”

Mr Richardson lived in Towncourt Lane, Petts Wood, and leaves behind his wife and three daughters.