Alexander dies aged 53

Town boss described as 'splendid man'

Last updated: 3rd March 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Alexander dies aged 53

Alexander: 1956-2010

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Macclesfield Town manager Keith Alexander has died at the age of 53, the club have announced.

Alexander, described by Town as a 'splendid man', passed away after returning home from Tuesday night's match at Notts County.

The thoughts of the League Two club and the entire football world are now with Alexander's family.

A statement from the club said on Wednesday: "It is our sad duty to report that Keith Alexander passed away today after arriving home from Macclesfield Town's game at Notts County last night.

"Keith was a splendid man. He will be sorely missed at the Moss Rose and by everyone involved in football.

"Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family at this very difficult time."

Peterborough director of football Barry Fry, who worked with Alexander at Barnet and London Road, told Sky Sports News: "It is devastating news. You won't find a more dedicated man at any club, non-league or League."

He added: "It is terrible news for everybody in football and everybody who knew Keith because he was a real genuine guy."

Universally respected

Those sentiments were echoed by Macclesfield striker Craig Lindfield, who told Sky Sports News: "I would just like to say I will always be grateful to the gaffer for giving me a chance.

"I trialled at a few clubs and because of the current money situation within football most were not willing to take a chance on me after I left Liverpool.

"Keith gave me that chance to get back playing in the Football League after nearly five months without a club and I will never forget that."

Alexander was universally respected throughout football but his health problems dated back to November 2003, when he suffered a cerebral aneurysm.

Many tributes have been paid to Alexander, who took charge of Lincoln City in 1993 for the first of his two spells at the club.

Nottingham-born Alexander led Lincoln to four consecutive promotion play-off appearances between 2002 and 2006.

Alexander had two stints in charge of Lincoln and spells at Ilkeston Town, Northwich, Peterborough and Bury before his appointment at Macclesfield in February 2008.

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Comments (94)

Neil Harris (Aston Villa fan) says...

Keith was a dear friend and I have fond memories of him in the time we worked together in the early eighties and played football together at Boston. Keith will also be remembered for his love of music and his sense of humour. He will be sadly missed by us all. Our thoughts are with his family and close friends, a gentle giant with a big heart. May he rest in peace.

Posted 15:13 4th March 2010

Mark Anson [everton fan] says...

Sad news, a good man. He will be missed.R.I.P.

Posted 14:57 4th March 2010

Phil Greenwood (Lincoln City fan) says...

what a great servant to english football and lincoln city they were some of the greatest days while u were at the club thank you for all the great memories R.I.P u are a great loss

Posted 12:46 4th March 2010

Mark Smith says...

Keith you inspired a whole generation of Lincoln City fans and have never heard a truer sentiment than a football season being a marathon, not a sprint....rest in peace Keith

Posted 12:32 4th March 2010

Barry Reece says...

I worked with Keith at Mansfield Town and what a pleasure it was, i have been in local football for 45years and never meet a better person more approachable person. Keith is a sad lose not only to football but everyone that had the pleasure of meeting and knowing him. My thoughts go out to the family and i wish them well. Heavens gain is everyone elses lose R.I.P. Old mate.

Posted 12:14 4th March 2010

Michael West says...

What a shock I remember him from when he played for Grimsby Town he was a good player we could do whith the likes of him now R I P Keith you will be missed

Posted 11:46 4th March 2010

Penny Lindsay says...

Iam a Chelsea fan and was shocked to hear the news. It's true, the good die young. All my thoughts are with his family. RIP.

Posted 11:39 4th March 2010

Ashley Duncker says...

Ashley Duncker (Man City & Macc Lad) It was a pure joy to watch my local team play great football with young lads, looking to make their way in this wonderful game. KA was a great Manager, passionate about the game, and very much valued by everyone at the club. Lets hope the club and the town honour this legend and name the new stadium (when it comes) after this sincere guy. KA football will be with you forever, thank you from the Macc lads.

Posted 11:14 4th March 2010

N C says...

keith was a great manager and took lincoln city in to the playoffs year after year and had a way of finding good players for nothing lincoln will always remember u keith

Posted 10:53 4th March 2010

P Murray (Peterborough United fan) says...

R.I.P keith you deserved more credit for the success of Peterborough united over the last two years, a true pro and don't forget all the work he had done of the field too will be missed .my thoughts go out to his family and friends

Posted 09:54 4th March 2010

Ricky Cramer (West Ham United fan) says...

he was a great man and he made history by becoming the first black manager in the football league. R.I.P keith alexander

Posted 08:34 4th March 2010

Ted Morley says...

Keith, you will be sadly missed. You left your mark everywhere you went, a true football man. We will now never know what you could have achieved. My thoughts are with all your family and friends and also to everyone associated with Maccesfield Town FC (West Ham Utd fan)

Posted 08:03 4th March 2010

Terry . says...

Truly an inspiration to all black players and coaches. Big love for Keith Alexander.

Posted 07:54 4th March 2010

Malc Harman says...

Sad news true what they say all the good guys go first , deepest sympathy to Family ,friends and club .

Posted 05:24 4th March 2010

Liam Thompson says...

Scunthorpe fan Rip all my thought go to all you family. I was so shocked when i saw this sad news.

Posted 04:27 4th March 2010

Ian Giles (Derby County fan) says...

A football gent, with respect from Kandahar Afgahanistan. RIP

Posted 03:36 4th March 2010

Mike Smith (Fulham fan) says...

Very sad news. R.I.P. Mike (Fulham)

Posted 01:49 4th March 2010

Simon Webster (Bournemouth fan) says...

With all the problems in football at the moment, it was people like Keith who would remind you of the passion no matter what situation. The footballing world has lost someone whom we could look upto and I hope that his passion for the game will not be forgotten. RIP Keith

Posted 00:40 4th March 2010

Nicola Taylor (Nottingham Forest fan) says...

RIP Keith, you did a great job at Ilkeston Town and it was a sad day when you left to move onto bigger and better things. This is a sad day for football. Best wishes to all the family

Posted 00:35 4th March 2010

Rich Leach (Millwall fan) says...

Another big loss to the game, R.I.P big guy !

Posted 23:28 3rd March 2010

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