My second job in radio was as Sports Editor at Hereward Radio in Peterborough, eastern England.
One of my jobs was to present and produce the Friday preview show and my weekly guest to look at the region’s non-league matches was Keith Alexander, who died yesterday at the ridiculously young age of 53 .
I only worked with Keith for a few months but – like thousands of others- i took an instant liking to this kind, warm, knowledgable and funny football man.
On one occasion a strange pronunciation of a name triggered the worst on-air fit of the giggles i or he ever had. We had to finish the broadcast by not looking at each other.
He always demonstrated his passion for the game and was as engaged talking about England as he was talking about Raunds or Irthlingborough.
He was at that stage yet to become an important figure in the game here – Britain’s first black manager – and was pondering a career in the media as a pundit.
Like anyone who loves football, i can only send condolences to the Alexander family and all those who were his friend – as once – for a brief part of my life, i was privileged to say he was mine.
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My dearest Mark,
Salaam from Baghdad, the city of pain, hope, and magic tales… 1stly please accept my most sincere condolences for the death of your friend Keith Alexander… May his soul rest in peace, Inshallah… 2ndly I never realised that you used to present in the past, why don’t you present an episode of WHYS ? With my love… Yours forever, Lubna in Baghdad…
Sincere condolences to the Keith family and best wishes to you, Mark!
Yesterday I attended the funeral of a talented young man who died of a heart attack at age 37. As you say, some people die at a ridiculously young age.
What’s it all about?
There is no greater happiness than breaking down in giggles, no greater memory than the cosmic joke shared. Sorry for the loss to footballers , friends and family.
Audre, i have no idea. But your kind words are appreciated. And Nora too, you’re right about the giggles.
As i hope i made clear, i only knew Keith for a few months in my life but he genuinely made those months memorable – for all the right reasons. I was very sad to hear the news, and i wanted to share that with you and give you an idea as to why he was an important – and ground-breaking – figure in the game i love. He’s also proof that nice blokes can do well.
My heartfelt condolences and prayers, are being extended to Keith Alexander friends and family in the time of his passing….
(D)
My condolences to Mark and Mr. Alexander’s family. It sounds like he is the kind of man who created lot of good memories that hopefully will help to comfort those he left behind.