-Tom Farmery and Calum Fuller contributed with this report
The charity match held in memory of Keith Alexander on Monday, 3rd May was not only about witnessing premier league stars at Sincil Bank, it was also a time for ex-Imps players to remember how the ‘Big Man’ helped shape their careers.
At the memorial match, which ended in 4-4 and was mostly a win for the fans, The Linc spoke to three Lincoln starlets, who all played under Alexander.
Lee Frecklington, who now plays for Peterborough United, was given his first professional contract by the former St Lucian international. The Lincoln born ‘Freckers’, as he is known by the Imps faithful, reflected on his time playing for Keith and also for all the times he smiled on the training ground.
He said: “You’ve seen the amount of people that have turned out, people have taken out time to come.
“I think today is a great occasion for everybody. He had a lot of time for everybody and he will appreciate everything that has happened today.
“I remember him coming to training with a big smile on his face [and] that’s how I remember him really.”
Opening goalscorer Simon Yeo, who played in two spells for the Imps, proving to be a major influece in the 2002-2003 Division Three playoff campaign told The Linc of his admiration for Keith and the support he gave the players he managed.
Poland born Yeo said: “Keith would have said, ‘what’s all the fuss about?’ At the end of the day this [the game] is on because people liked him.
“He was a well known man and hopefully this is a fitting tribute. I tell everyone he was a family man. If there were ever any problems he would come and see you.
“He was a manager you could ask any questions, he was a good friend to me and that makes this even more special.”
In his third stay at Sincil Bank, Richard Butcher was the only member of the current Lincoln City squad to play in the charity match on the Monday. The present Imps number eight explained why Keith was, and still is, regarded highly by the footballing fraternity.
Butcher said: “Everyone knows what a genuine top bloke he was. Today everyone turned out in their numbers and it was great day for him. He deserved everything today, he really was a great man and will never be forgotten.”
He went on to say how Alexander brought together different walks of life who follow and love the beautiful game.
“It ranges from top professionals to kids and family who just come to watch the football. They all know what a top bloke he was and it was overall a great day.”