Thousands gather to say farewell to Keith Alexander
Thunderous applause echoed through Lincoln Cathedral as Keith Alexander was carried out the doors to his final resting place.
An hour earlier the same noise erupted outside and followed his coffin through the main doors, past row upon row of people.
More than 2,000 people turned out to pay their respects to the former Lincoln City FC manager, who died on March 3 aged 53.
Those gathered were told Helen Alexander wanted the day to be one of thanksgiving and celebration of her husband's life.
It was a chance for family, friends and colleagues to say goodbye to a man they respected and loved.
Inside the cathedral, red and white striped scarves were dotted among dark suits and there was an occasional flash of yellow as mourners revealed socks worn in tribute to Mr Alexander.
A collection of fans from Macclesfield Town also came to say goodbye to their team's manager.
Among the famous faces who came out to pay tribute to the man described as a trail-blazer for black managers included Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Mick McCarthy, football pundit Garth Crooks and Sir Trevor Brooking.
The mood became distinctly sombre when the doors opened and applause rippled through from outside as the coffin was brought in followed by Mr Alexander's family.
Keith Alexander's dedication to his family played an equal role in his life.
He was first a player before taking his place in history as the football league's first full-time black manager.
The assembled people heard a heartfelt tribute from his son Paul and a poem read by his brother Randall.
Mr Alexander was described by everyone who spoke during the service as a loyal friend, a dedicated father and husband and a trail-blazing figure for black managers and young footballers.
He was also remembered for his humble nature and, by the Bishop of Lincoln John Saxbee as "one hell of a manager".
For more on Mr Alexander's funeral, including personal tributes from his peers in the footballing world, see Tuesday's Echo.
Click here to see footage and interviews from Lincoln Cathedral.
3 Comments
by Gordon Eden, Grantham
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 4:20PM
“How about re-naming the "Echo Stand" the "Keith Alexander" stand.”
by G Hughes, lincoln
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 9:48AM
“Keith Alexander's funeral was a fantastic send off for the big man. And it was great to see the cathedral was full. And it certainly was good to see his former players attending. A lot of them own Keith so much for plucking them from non league and setting them for higher league that what sort of manager Keith was, simply the best and will be very very hard to be matched. Keith him self deserved to had been given the chance at top league football a massive shame he never got it.
Kieth name will be ever lasting at Sincil bank and will never be fogotten.
But the funeral it self was really moving and brought tears to my eyes.
I will never forget Keith for what he did at Lincoln city fc so thank you Keith you are a real true LEGEND god bless you R.I.P.”
by Chris Wallace, sturton
Tuesday, March 16 2010, 8:19AM
“It was a fitting tribute to an amazing man who touched so many peoples lives in the most positive way. Thanks & appreciation must go to his family for sharing these last moments of Keith with the public at a very difficult time for them. There may have been famous people there but we were all at the same level yesterday and all there for the same reason to celebrate the life of a great man. The Bishop of Lincoln was excellent and said what we all felt. RIP Keith you will never be forgotton.”