KEITH ALEXANDER'S Thanksgiving Service - Lincoln Cathedral 15-03-10

Keith Alexander, Britain's first professional, black football manager was commemorated in a moving service at Lincoln Cathedral at 2.00pm on Monday 15 March 2010. The service was led by the Subdean, the Reverend Canon Alan Nugent. Family and friends were joined by over 2000 mourners and well-wishers. The former Lincoln City and Peterborough United Manager died unexpectedly on 3 March, aged 53, having complained of feeling unwell a couple of week prior to his sad death. In 2003 he recovered from surgery for a cerebral aneurysm returning to Lincoln City FC in February 2004 successfully leading the team to the "play-offs" for a second, consecutive season. He had just renewed his contract with Macclesfield Town where he was manager from February 2008, and Chairman, Mike Rance, followed a reading of Roman 8:31-39 by the Reverend Howard Stringer (Chaplain of Macclesfield Town FC) with a moving tribute to the "Big Man." A very personal Tribute delivered by Paul Alexander in which called his father his "best friend," was followed by a poem, touchingly read by Randall Alexander (Keith's older brother). Mourners joined in singing "All Things Bright and Beautiful," Amazing Grace," and "Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer." The Main Address, given by The Right Reverend Dr John Saxbee, Bishop of Lincoln, praised Keith as a "trail-blazer" and role-model who was not just a "gentle giant," but a "hell of a good manager!" His message was linked to the theme of Easter which he said is a time of sadness and joy embodied in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Other contributions to the Order of Service came from: Canon Andrew Vaughan, Chaplain of Lincoln City FC; The Lincoln Cathedral Choir & The Sixth Form of Lincoln Minster School who performed "Mr Bojangles" and "No Woman No Cry." Local government was represented by the Mayor and Lincoln MP, Gillian Merron also attended. The many local fans and friends were also joined by some of football's elite including Paul Ince, Martin O'Neill and Sir Trevor Brooking. Also paying their last respects were the many footballers and young hopefuls who lives Keith Alexander have indelibly touched. Keith is survived by his wife Helen, three sons and a daughter; his parents (John and Josephine), and three brothers and a sister. By Phil Gray (Former Vice Chair of the Lincoln African & Caribbean Support Group).

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