Arsenal are wearing black armbands against Lille this evening to mark the death of life president Ken Friar, aged 92.
Born in Islington in August 1934, Friar began his career at the club aged 11 in 1945 as a messenger after a chance meeting with manager George Allison. He became club secretary in 1973 and managing director in 1983 before later playing a leading role in the Gunners’ move from Highbury to Emirates Stadium.
Life of service
Friar remained on the club’s board until stepping down as an executive director in 2020 and becoming life president. He received an OBE for services to football in 2000 and the Freedom of the Borough of Islington in 2004.
Further tributes will take place when the Gunners host Everton in the Premier League on Saturday, October 24.
Club tribute
‘Since our formation in 1886, there have been many inspirational individuals who have driven our club forward, but no one has had an influence on Arsenal Football Club quite like ‘Mr Friar’,’ the club said in a tribute on its website. ‘He leaves an extraordinary life of service to the club as his legacy. One that will surely never be matched.’
