'No-one has had an influence on Arsenal quite like Mr Friar'
'No-one has had an influence on Arsenal quite like Mr Friar'
Tue, October 13, 2026 at 1:20 PM UTC
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Arsenal have paid tribute to life president Ken Friar, who has died aged 92.
Born in Islington in August 1934, Friar began his career with the Gunners 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 Arsenal's move from Highbury to Emirates Stadium.
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.
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"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 their official website.
"He will never be forgotten by all those who knew him, be they players who he meticulously talked through a contract, members of the local council who he quietly but persuasively explained the club's value to the borough, staff members who delighted in hearing his treasure trove of stories gleaned over many decades - but, most of all, his family and close friends, who loved him for the kind, generous, wonderful father, grandad or friend that he was.
"Ironically, Ken Friar probably wouldn't want people to dwell on his life's achievements, as he very much embodied Arsenal's 'Always Forward' motto. His maxim of 'tomorrow's match is always the most important' wouldn't allow for too much contemplation of the past when there was an important future to deal with.
"With the 11th league title of his lifetime secured, he still relished every second of seeing Arsenal players conquer all, putting our name in lights across the world – and we couldn't have done it without him."
Arsenal's players will wear black armbands in memory of Friar during Tuesday's Champions League match against Lille at the Emirates, and further tributes will take place when they host Everton in the Premier League on 24 October.
Source: “AOL Sports”
