LMA STATEMENT REGARDING KEITH ALEXANDER
The LMA are deeply saddened at the news of the sudden and tragic death of Macclesfield Town manager Keith Alexander.
LMA Chief Executive, Richard Bevan said;
"Our thoughts are with Keith's family at this very difficult time. This will have been a dreadful shock to his wife Helen their two children Jack and Jenny and his two other sons Paul and Matt.
"He will be sorely missed by the LMA, its members and the whole of the football community. Keith was an active member of the LMA and our projects with The Prince's Trust in particular, and his contribution to the well-being of the game is widely acknowledged. Nobody would deny that Keith knew just about all there is to know about managing football clubs on a low budget. He was a champion of civil rights and equality issues and was also active in the Black Coaches Association."
Keith earned his reputation as a manager who could maximise limited resources. He transformed the fortunes of Lincoln City during a four-year reign before undertaking a similar job with Macclesfield Town.
An early graduate of the LMA's certificate in applied management at Warwick University as well as a UEFA Pro License holder, Keith took charge of Lincoln City in 2002 after a spell as assistant manager under Alan Buckley.
He transformed a side that had almost been relegated from the League, leading the Imps to the play-offs in each of his four seasons in charge. His feat of making the club consistently competitive is admired throughout the game.
After a short tenure at Peterborough United - which he left in a comfortable eighth place - Keith was briefly director of football at Bury before moving to Macclesfield in February, 2008.
He was rewarded with a two-year contract for keeping the club in the League and again sustained the Silkmen's status in 2008-09.
Nottingham-born Alexander's first assignment as a boss had come as far back as 1993 when, in his first spell at Lincoln. He also gained non-league experience in taking charge of Ilkeston and Northwich before joining Alan Buckley back at Sincil Bank in 2001.
It was under Buckley at Grimsby that Keith Alexander's playing career as a striker peaked scoring 26 goals in 83 games for the Mariners. He also played for StockportCounty, Lincoln City and Mansfield Town, continuing almost to the age of 40. He was capped three times by St. Lucia in 1990.
Officials at Boundary Park and we are sure supporters of Oldham Athletic would like to echo these sentiments issued by the L.M.A.
