// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
How Keith Alexander blazed a trail for black football managers
Listen to Keith Alexander: the man, the manager, the pioneer, on BBC Sounds
When Keith Alexander died in 2010, he was honoured up and down the country, including on one of football's biggest stages as England players donned black armbands for a match at Wembley.
It was a fitting tribute to a man who was not only an admired and respected figure in the game, but a trailblazer who helped pave the way for more black managers in English professional football.
As part of Black History Month, those who knew him best have been reflecting on his lasting impact.
"Keith remains a beacon of hope for us all, and I know his story continues to inspire us," says Leon Mann, a co-founder of the Football Black List, external, which gives out an award in his memory.
"When we see a number of black British or black managers in the Premier League, we should pause and remember Keith's contribution, because it would have played its part, one hundred per cent."
Matt and Paul Alexander say their father's caring nature meant he got the best out of players
Although he was not the first permanent black manager in the Football League – Tony Collins took the reins at Rochdale in 1960 – Alexander helped inspire a new generation to follow in his footsteps after spells in charge of Lincoln City, Peterborough United and Macclesfield, among others.
Born in Nottingham in 1956 to St Lucian parents, Alexander was proud of his English upbringing and Caribbean heritage, his sons Matt and Paul say.
Alexander spoke openly about the racism he encountered as a player, which included monkey chants and bananas being thrown at him.