Arsenal is mourning the loss of its life president, Ken Friar, who has died at 92. Friar's remarkable journey with the Gunners began in 1945 when he joined as an 11-year-old messenger, following a chance encounter with manager George Allison.
Friar's influence grew steadily, leading to his appointment as club secretary in 1973 and managing director in 1983. He was instrumental in the club's transition from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium. He served on the board until 2020, stepping down as executive director to become life president.
His dedication to football was recognised with an OBE in 2000, and he received the Freedom of the Borough of Islington in 2004. Friar is immortalised with a bronze statue outside the ground, alongside other Arsenal legends.
Arsenal players will wear black armbands in his memory during Tuesday evening’s Champions League match against Lille. Further tributes are planned for Saturday, 24 October, when the Gunners host Everton in the Premier League.
The club paid tribute on its website, stating that "no one has had an influence on Arsenal Football Club quite like ‘Mr Friar’," and that he leaves "an extraordinary life of service to the club as his legacy. One that will surely never be matched.”