Arsenal have announced the death of life president Ken Friar OBE. Players will wear black armbands during the Champions League match against Lille in his memory, with further tributes planned when Arsenal host Everton in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, October 24.
A nine-decade association with Arsenal
Friar, who was 92, served as a board member, managing director and club secretary. He was appointed life president in September 2020. Born in Islington in 1934, his association with Arsenal lasted nine decades and began with a chance meeting with then manager George Allison, who gave the 11-year-old a job as a messenger and runner for half-a-crown a week.
Five years later, after completing his studies at Highbury County Grammar School, Arsenal hired Friar full-time and convinced him to turn down a better-paid job elsewhere. He started in 1950 as a junior in the box office before becoming assistant secretary to administrator Bob Wall in 1965. By 1973 he had been promoted to club secretary.
From managing director to Emirates Stadium
In 1983, Friar was appointed managing director, running the club on a day-to-day basis during the George Graham era. His responsibilities included tackling the rise of hooliganism and the remodelling of the stadium.
Friar spent decades leading the charge for a new stadium — whether Wembley, Alexandra Palace or elsewhere — and became director responsible for the move away from Highbury. The Emirates Stadium opened in July 2006. He was involved in Queen Elizabeth II officially opening the stadium and the first team travelling to Buckingham Palace to meet her.
Honours and lasting legacy
During Arsene Wenger's reign, Friar served as a board member. He was awarded an OBE for services to football in 2000, honoured with the Freedom of the Borough of Islington in 2004, and in 2014 the South Stand Bridge was renamed The Ken Friar Bridge. A statue was constructed depicting the 11-year-old Friar at his chance meeting with Allison on Avenell Road in 1945.
In 2020, he stepped down as executive director and was appointed life president. He is regarded as one of the most important figures in Arsenal's 140-year history.
