Keith Alexander, who died in 2010, was honoured nationwide, including with England players wearing black armbands at Wembley, as a respected figure and trailblazer for black managers in English football. As part of Black History Month, Leon Mann, co-founder of the Football Black List, said Alexander remains a beacon of hope, noting that seeing black British or black managers in the Premier League should prompt remembrance of his contribution. Though not the first permanent black manager in the Football League—Tony Collins managed Rochdale in 1960—Alexander inspired a generation after managing Lincoln City, Peterborough United, and Macclesfield.
Born in Nottingham in 1956 to St Lucian parents, he spoke openly about racism faced as a player, including monkey chants and bananas thrown at him. His sons Matt and Paul Alexander said he was proud of his English upbringing and Caribbean heritage, and though race was rarely discussed at home, he knew he had to work twice as hard. Former Lincoln striker Franny Green credited Alexander with giving opportunities to non-league players, saying his name would be among the biggest in Lincoln's history.
Simon Weaver recalled Alexander's ability to unite the dressing room, remembering being invited to training and offered grapes after playing well.
Source: BBC Sport Football · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing