Scholars mourn former manager

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Chasetown are mourning the death of their former manager and player Larry Percival.

Percival, pictured, who also played for Tamworth, Hednesford, Leamington and Stratford during the 1960s and early 70s, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday aged 70 at his home in North Devon. He leaves behind his wife Jenny, daughter Nikki and grandson Jack.

Percival took over as Scholars manager in 1972 and left the club in 1978-79 having finally won the West Midlands Regional League Division One title after being runners-up four times in the previous five campaigns. His love of football continued in the South West when he left the Midlands with his family in 1979 as he went on to manage both Ilfracombe and Torrington.

The Evo-Stik NPL First Division South club's Chief Executive Mick Joiner said: "It is with much sadness that we have to inform the football community of the sudden and shock death of our friend, colleague and former manager Larry Percival.

"We are all in shock hearing of Larry's sudden and unexpected death on Sunday. We have lost a true friend. Larry was a regular visitor to the Scholars traveling the 400 miles round trip on numerous occasions."