Keith Alexander RIP

Terrible news this morning that Macclesfield manager Keith Alexander died after last night's game at Notts County. He was 53 years old.

In November 2003 Keith collapsed with a double aneurysm, revealing afterwards that he had to be brought back to life three times but since then he had worked at Peterborough, Bury and Macclesfield and was the archetypical lower league player in his day and manager often overlooked by today's fame seeking news and media.

Alexander was one of just two black managers in the whole of the four leagues, which bearing in mind the players in the game is a shocking statistic.

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."

Macclesfield chairman Mike Rance said: "Keith was the perfect manager for a club like ours. He was totally pragmatic about managing in League Two and the constraints involved. He was a splendid man, a real gentleman and an absolute privilege to work with. He was strong, sensible, commanded respect throughout the game and was unique in many ways."
Peterborough director of sport Barry Fry, who worked with Alexander when he was a player at Barnet and also at London Road when he was a manager, added: "I really can't believe it. I'd been worried lately about his health but he assured me he was fine. "He recently had a bout of hiccups that he couldn't get rid of and he went into hospital for that, but he wasn't feeling ill when I spoke to him last, he was bubbly.

"He'd had a few days off but he couldn't wait to get back on the training pitch. "You won't find a more dedicated man at any club, he always gave 150%. I feel so sad for his family."

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.

"He was a tough, dogged competitor as a player and as a manager and will be greatly missed."