Keith Alexander remembered by family and former players during Black History Month

Keith Alexander's family and former players have paid tribute to the late football manager during Black History Month, recalling the opportunities he created for black players and coaches. In interviews published by BBC News on Monday, his sons, former Lincoln City players and Football Black List co-founder Leon Mann described the influence of a career that included spells at Lincoln, Peterborough United and Macclesfield.

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Alexander was born in Nottingham in 1956 to St Lucian parents. His sons Matt and Paul told the BBC that he valued both his English upbringing and Caribbean heritage. Matt recalled the racist abuse his father experienced during his playing career, including monkey chants and bananas being thrown at him. Paul said conversations at home focused on working hard and succeeding, although he believed his father understood he faced additional barriers.

Alexander first became Lincoln manager in 1993, spending a season in the job before later managing non-league Ilkeston Town and Northwich Victoria. He returned to Lincoln in 2002 and, despite limited resources, guided the club from administration to four consecutive appearances in the League Two play-offs. The BBC noted that Tony Collins, appointed by Rochdale in 1960, had preceded Alexander as a permanent black manager in the Football League.

Former Lincoln striker Franny Green highlighted Alexander's willingness to recruit from non-league football and give players a chance. He recalled meeting the manager as a 16-year-old triallist at Ilkeston and being encouraged to play without pressure. Simon Weaver, who also played for Alexander at Ilkeston before joining Lincoln in 2002, described a similarly relaxed approach that helped him settle and brought players together.

Alexander died aged 53 in 2010 while managing Macclesfield, after becoming ill at home following a match. Clubs observed silences in his memory, and England's players wore black armbands at Wembley. His work is also remembered through the Sacred Sports Foundation, which he established in St Lucia to support young people through sport.

The Football Black List continues to recognise his contribution through the Keith Alexander Award, whose recipients have included Yaya Toure, Shaka Hislop and Kerry Davis. Mann told the BBC that Alexander remained an inspiration, pointing to the opportunities he opened for others and his readiness to confront racism in football.