Peacock's tribute to Alexander

The England U17 Head Coach and The FA’s Head of Coaching, John Peacock, has paid tribute to former team-mate Keith Alexander, who sadly passed away on Wednesday.

“It was with great shock and sadness that I heard of the sudden death of Keith,” said Peacock.

“An ex-playing colleague of mine at Boston United in the early 1980s, his career was just about to take of as mine was on the decline. He went on to play for several clubs within the Football League, such as Grimsby, Stockport, Lincoln and Mansfield. As a striker he was technically very good and a decent link player, chipping in with his fair share of goals.

“However, it was as a coach and manager that our paths later crossed. He was always keen to improve himself and, importantly, he was a role model for future black players and coaches when he became one of the first black managers of a professional football club when he was appointed as Lincoln City’s manager in 1993.

“He went onto ply his trade for the next 17 years in the lower divisions, coaching and managing at such clubs as Peterborough, Bury, and Macclesfield. He worked tirelessly in developing the whole aspect of each football club he managed which was testimony to his commitment and dedication to the game he loved.

“In 2006 he became the holder of our highest award for coaching and managing, gaining the UEFA Pro Licence. However, this wasn’t enough for Keith as he recently asked me about how to become a licensed FA Tutor. That was typical of the man; he was always looking to the future, by putting his knowledge he learnt back into the game for the next generation.

“The game will be worst off for the sad loss of Keith. He was a true gentleman and a person with humility and total dedication to the profession which he served for over 30 years.

“Our thoughts go out to his family at this difficult time.

“You can rest assured his memory will not be forgotten.”