Friends, family and former colleagues of Keith Alexander were in the Trust Suite on Thursday evening as Rob Bradley introduced his new book - There or Thereabouts : The Keith Alexander Story.
There or Thereabouts tells the story of Keith’s journey of playing, coaching and managing in his quest to gather more and more knowledge of the game he loved, and the impact he made by unearthing talented players and building teams that defied the odds.
Keith’s experiences include scoring in a Wembley Cup Final, taking Barnet to the brink of the Football League, promotion with Grimsby Town, a rollercoaster ride at little Ilkeston Town, success on the pitch but boardroom intrigue off it at Lincoln City and much more. More importantly, the book presents a portrait of a proud family man who engaged with everyone he met by being approachable and considerate, by being a charismatic leader and, most of all, by being himself.
"I'd like to take the opportunity to express my real gratitude to everyone who attended the Lincoln City launch of There or Thereabouts : The Keith Alexander Story on Thursday night," said Rob Bradley.
"I arranged the evening because I felt it was only right that a book about Keith should be introduced amongst a gathering of his family and friends at a place where he was so at home, and the turn-out of guests and supporters was frankly overwhelming.
"Keith had a way of galvanising a club and a community and it is significant that a book about him would have the same effect. Clearly, although Keith is no longer with us, the Alexander effect lives on.
"It was great to hear from Matt Alexander, Simon Yeo, Alan Marriott, Garry Birtles, Gary Simpson, Steve Thompson and many more about their old friend and colleague, and all I hope now is, that as people read the book and find out more about the man himself, it does him justice and portrays him as the special guy he was.
"Grahame Lloyd, who helped me present the evening did a fine job, and Mel Croft who organised the room and looked after everyone was a credit to the Football Club. Once more thanks to everyone who came and contributed to a special evening."
The Publisher’s Launch, meanwhile, takes place tomorrow, Saturday 25 August 2012, from 12.00pm to 1.00pm at WH Smiths on Cornhill in Lincoln. Books are priced £14.99.
