Tributes pour in for tragic Alexander

03 March 2010 15:51
Alexander, who suffered a brain aneurysm in November 2003, passed away after arriving home from Tuesday night's 1-0 League Two defeat at Notts County.[LNB]In a statement on the LMA's official website, Bevan said: "Our thoughts are with Keith's family at this very difficult time. This will have been a dreadful shock to his wife Helen, their two children Jack and Jenny and his two other sons Paul and Matt.[LNB]"He will be sorely missed by the LMA, its members and the whole of the football community. Keith was an active member of the LMA and our projects with The Prince's Trust in particular, and his contribution to the well-being of the game is widely acknowledged.[LNB]"He was a champion of civil rights and equality issues and was also active in the Black Coaches Association."[LNB]Along with MK Dons boss Paul Ince, Alexander was one of only two black managers working in English management throughout the 92 clubs.[LNB]The Nottingham-born manager recently celebrated two years in charge of the Silkmen and their chairman Mike Rance said: "We're all absolutely devastated.[LNB]"I spoke to Keith last night at about 11.15pm after our game at Notts County and he was in good spirits because, although we lost, we had given a team chasing promotion a good game.[LNB]"We were chatting about an FA hearing after he had a row with a referee at Bournemouth, which just shows how passionate he was about the game.[LNB]"It was perhaps fitting that the last conversation we had was about football."[LNB]The exact cause of Alexander's death remains unclear, but Rance said: "He went home after the game last night and collapsed. Tragically, he never recovered."[LNB]Alexander had built a reputation in the lower leagues for working effectively within a tight budget and Rance added: "Keith was the perfect manager for a club like ours.[LNB]"He was totally pragmatic about managing in League Two and the constraints involved.[LNB]"He was a splendid man, a real gentleman and an absolute privilege to work with."[LNB]Macclesfield are scheduled to play Hereford at Edgar Street on Saturday but the match could be postponed.[LNB]Rance has already spoken to Hereford chairman Graham Turner and explained: "Graham also knew Keith very well and the decision as to whether Saturday's game goes ahead will be taken by Keith's family shortly.[LNB]"I know what Keith would have wanted, but it will be his family's decision."[LNB]Assistant manager Gary Simpson told Sky Sports News: "He was a larger than life character - an honest man, a splendid man and he will be missed by people in all walks of life. He was an absolutely superb human being.[LNB]"He was always there and together we just got on with stuff. In the difficult times we've had, we've helped each other through things and he was just a rock."[LNB]Football League chairman Lord Mawhinney said: "I am shocked and deeply saddened by the death of Keith Alexander. The thoughts of the Football League, its clubs and football supporters everywhere will be with Keith's family and friends.[LNB]"He was a tough, dogged competitor as a player and as a manager and will be greatly missed."[LNB]The most notable spells of Alexander's playing career were at Grimsby and Stockport, while he also had a stint with Lincoln, where he became manager for the first time in 1993.[LNB]His stay lasted less than a year but, after spells with Ilkeston and Northwich, Alexander returned as director of football and assistant manager before eventually replacing Alan Buckley at the helm and becoming a fans' favourite.[LNB]In November 2003 Alexander suffered a cerebral aneurysm and was taken to hospital for vital surgery before returning to work in February 2004.[LNB]He left Lincoln by mutual consent in the 2005/2006 season and had a spell in charge of Peterborough before taking the position of director of football at Bury.[LNB]He took charge of Macclesfield in February 2008, but his health recently took a turn for the worse when he was forced to miss the goalless draw with Accrington last month due to illness.[LNB]Alexander helped Lincoln to the play-offs for four consecutive seasons between 2002-06 - the only manager to achieve that feat.[LNB]Imps chairman Steff Wright said: "Over and above being the absolute professional in everything he did, Keith was one of the nicest guys you could ever wish to meet.[LNB]"It goes without saying that our thoughts are with Helen and the family at this extremely difficult time."[LNB]A Bury spokesman said: "Keith Alexander was one of the most genuine people you could work with, to know and to have the pleasure to meet.[LNB]"There are a lot of heavy hearts around Gigg Lane this afternoon and as a club, we wish to pass our condolences to Keith's immediate family, his friends and all supporters, players and officials at Macclesfield Town."[LNB]Tranmere chief executive Mick Horton added: "Keith was a fine man who will be missed by everyone involved in football.[LNB]"Our thoughts are with his family and friends and everybody at Macclesfield Town."[LNB]Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe has also been been devastated by the news and told his club's official website: "I am absolutely crushed by this news. Keith was a lovely man and had a real passion for the game.[LNB]"His passing is a great loss to the football world and I would like to give my condolences to his family at this very difficult time."[LNB]Rotherham manager Ronnie Moore also revealed his sadness at Alexander's passing.[LNB]Moore said on the Millers' official website: "I have known Keith for years; he has managed around the lower leagues around the same number of years as me, so we have met on several occasions.[LNB]"Nobody in football had a bad thing to say about Keith, he was an absolute gentleman.[LNB]"His knowledge of the game was second to none and he has worked miracles with the teams that he has managed with limited budgets. Jimmy Mullen only spoke to Keith on Monday so it has come as a real shock.[LNB]"It is a sad loss for football and I would like to pass on my condolences to Keith's family and friends at this time."[LNB][LNB]

Source: Team_Talk