Blackpool's Gary Taylor-Fletcher has paid tribute to the late Keith Alexander for his success.
Taylor-Fletcher dedicates Blackpool triumph to former boss
Blackpool striker Gary Taylor-Fletcher has paid tribute to his former manager, the late Keith Alexander, for his success.
Taylor-Fletcher helped the Seasiders secure promotion to the Premier League on Saturday with a goal in their 3-2 Championship play-off final victory over Cardiff at Wembley.
The forward was first spotted by Alexander as a youngster at Northwich Victoria, and was taken under the manager's wing at Lincoln.
And 28-year-old Taylor-Fletcher has dedicated his triumph with Blackpool to the former Imps boss, who passed away in March.
Unbelievable
"The transformation to reach the Premier League is unbelievable and the one person I can thank for that is Keith Alexander," said Taylor-Fletcher.
"He was a massive influence on me, he saw me in the youth team at Northwich Victoria and gave me my chance. He took over at Lincoln and rescued me when I was having a bad time at Leyton Orient.
"And he even let me go on a free transfer from Lincoln to help me find a better club because he thought I deserved the chance of playing at a higher level.
"I have got such great respect for him and what he has done for my career. I hope he can rest in peace with a smile on his face because of what has happened to me."
