Former Imps boss Keith Alexander passes away

By Adrian Bell | Published On March 3, 2010 | In Lincoln City

Photo: Macclesfield Town FC

It’s a very sad day for all connected with football following the announcement that former Lincoln City manager Keith Alexander has passed away at the age of 53.

Macclesfield Town have reported that former Lincoln City manager Keith Alexander has passed away. A statement on the club’s official website said:

“It is our sad duty to report that Keith Alexander passes away today after arriving home from Macclesfield Town’s game at Notts County last night. Keith was a splendid man. He will be sorely missed at the Moss Rose and by everyone involved in football. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his family at this very difficult time.”

Alexander was arguably one of the most successful Imps managers in recent years, following two in the Sincil Bank dugout. He was first appointed as Imps manager in 1993 but lasted less than one year before being replaced.

He returned to Lincoln City in 2002 following one of the most turbulent periods in the club’s history. The Imps came out of administration and were perilously close to going out of business. He guided the Imps to four consecutive play-off finished including two play-off finals before leaving the Imps.

Alexander, famous for his yellow socks in the Sincil Bank dugout put together a squad on a shoe-string budget and defied the odds by making the Division Three play-off final. They were soundly beaten by Bournemouth 5-2 but it was by no means a failure. This was some achievement for Keith as this Lincoln City side were favourites for relegation. However his non-league buy’s such as Simon Weaver and Simon Yeo came through and gave Lincoln City fans something to cheer about.

In November 2003, Alexander suffered a cerebral aneurysm upon returning to his home following a scouting mission. However in true Keith style, it did not keep him down and in just three months he was back at work. He again guided the Imps into the play-offs narrowly losing out to Huddersfield Town in the semi-finals.

Lincoln again reached the play-off final the next season under Alexander however two Southend United goals in extra time saw off the Imps. Despite the third consecutive play-off failure, Alexander guided the Imps into another play-off campaign but came unstuck in the semi-finals losing out to local rivals Grimsby Town. Shortly after, Alexander departed Lincoln City by mutual consent.

He later had spells at Peterborough United, Bury and Macclesfield Town, where he took control of the Silkmen’s match at home to Notts County on Tuesday night.

Lincoln City chairman Steff Wright has paid tribute to Keith Alexander on the club’s official website, he 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. It goes without saying that our thoughts are with Helen and the family at this extremely difficult time.”

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