Former Arnold Town manager Bill Brindley, now stricken with serious illness, is receiving a benefit game.

Brindley, 59, who was manager at Arnold until the end of the 2004/05 season and also had spells in charge of Heanor Town and Ilkeston Town, is on a Leeds hospital waiting list for a liver and kidney transplant.

And, in a spirited gesture, former football pals including ex-managerial colleagues Bryn Gunn and Ian McCulloch are lending their support.

Brindley spent thirteen years on Trentside but, as his service was split between Nottingham Forest and Notts County, he did not receive the honour afforded to someone after ten years at a club.

The benefit is being organised by businessman Neil Footitt and League Managers Association chief executive John Barnwell is helping out.

Footitt said: "Bill and I go back nearly fifty years and it's sad to see him going through such difficult times.

"The support from officials and former players on both sides of the Trent is an indication of how popular Bill is."

A golf day raised ?7,500 and a sportsman's dinner featuring the most famous Grantham Town manager, Martin O'Neill, and ex-England cricketer Geoff Miller, is selling out fast.

There are plans for a match between Ilkeston Town and a former Forest and Notts side.