Updated: Keith Alexander dies, aged 53
Former Lincoln City manager Keith Alexander has died at the age of 53.
Macclesfield Town confirmed this morning that the Imps legend, who was manager of the Silkmen, passed away just hours after his side's 1-0 defeat at Notts County.
Alexander's death, the cause of which is still unknown, is likely to cause shockwaves through Lincoln, as he was one of the club's most successful managers of recent times.
He led them to four consecutive play-off appearances from 2002 to 2006, reaching the final twice.
Alan Marriott, who was first-choice goalkeeper during the Imps' remarkable play-off run, led the tributes to Alexander.
"You will struggle to find anyone who has a bad word to say about Keith," said Marriott.
"People who know Keith will be aware that football is the only thing he ever wanted to do. He would go from watching a Premier League game right down to a Sunday League match - he loved football that much.
"I was really saddened to hear the news this morning. Keith got the best out of people."
Paul Mayo, another member of the Imps' team which reached the play-off final against Bournemouth in Alexander's first season, said: "He was a legend and sometimes legends are not appreciated until the are gone."
The England national team, who are due to play Egypt at Wembley in a friendly match tonight, will wear black armbands as a mark of respect for Alexander.
A Facebook group has been set up in memory of Keith Alexander, here.
More to follow.
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by Ty, Lincoln
Monday, March 15 2010, 5:29PM
“Between Friday and today's funeral the big man has been given at least some of the recognition he deserves.
As others have said, he saved LCFC How many other managers could add that to their CV.
No better legacy can be left with his work in the local community and his charity that is doing astounding work in St. Lucia.
Come on LCFC, a lasting tribute would be a yearly collection for that charity.”
by Chris Booth, Lincoln
Friday, March 12 2010, 1:41PM
“I met Keith a few times not just at Sincil Bank but around the town or at local games and whenever you spoke he always found time to speak back to you. When i herd the news i was driving at work and i had to pull over as it was such shocking news, this may sound daft i dont know but to many football fans it reminds me of when princess Diana died everyone remembers where they where or what they where doing and in my opinion it will stick with me the same. R.I.P Keith sadly missed.
Chris, Imps fan.”
by wayne casement [casey],, lincoln
Wednesday, March 10 2010, 4:58PM
“one word can describe keith ledgend,but he was so much more than that,what he acheived at city is remarkable.not only that, the big man had a big heart and always had a smile.he touched and changed so many people,s lifes.what he did for lincoln and the city itself should never be forgotten.those yellow socks will light up heaven r.i.p alexander the great. casement clanxx”
by daz, lincoln
Sunday, March 07 2010, 8:56AM
“totally gutted when i heard the news,loved keith from the time he was a player with us ,whenever you saw him around the city you could always approach him and he would always have time to say hello and chat.one lasting memory is when sky had the cameras down for the bolton game in 93 and they had a training session with keith and andy gray,a young darren huckerby scored a fantastic volley ,(one of a very good crop of youth players which keith had success with as yth team coach)always wanted him to come back to the bank after that first spell in charge.,thankfully he came back home after doing well at northwic and ilkeston.no one could have predicted the following seasons heroics frm kidderminster to cardiff he gave us all a club to be proud of once again ,in that 2nd season he probably assembled the best side since the murphy days .its a shame that he never got us up but i feel proud to say we had him as a player and manager .only saw him a few weeks ago as took my daughter alexandra(yes after him) as usual i told him i wished he was back home at the bank , thankyou keith for some fantastic memories you were one of lifes good guys and will be missed by so many of us,”
by tony, newark
Sunday, March 07 2010, 8:25AM
“Keith, a true legend, you are truely missed by all, my heart goes out to your immediate family , rest in peace big”