Arsenal life president Ken Friar dies aged 92

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 13:44 · Archive

Arsenal's life president Ken Friar, who spent seven decades at the club and oversaw its move to the Emirates Stadium, has died aged 92.

Arsenal's life president Ken Friar has died aged 92. Friar's association with Arsenal stretched more than seven decades, having joined the club's box office in 1950. He became club secretary in 1973 and later managing director, a role the club described as 'effectively running the football club'.

Friar played a central role in overseeing Arsenal's move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium, which opened in 2006. He stepped down as executive director in 2020 and was appointed life president. He was awarded an OBE in 2000 for services to football and received the Freedom of the Borough of Islington in 2004.

Arsenal said in a statement: '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 and he leaves an extraordinary life of service to the club as his legacy. One that will surely never be matched.' The Ken Friar Bridge stands outside the Emirates Stadium as a permanent reminder of his influence at the club.

How it is being reported

• Ken Friar, Arsenal life president and one of club’s most important figures, dies aged 92Friar’s association with the club started in 1945 as an 11-year-old messenger following a chance meeting with manager George AllisonIndependent Sport · 13 Oct, 14:25
• Arsenal pay emotional tribute as club legend Ken Friar dies aged 92Ken Friar worked for Arsenal for 70 years and was named the club's life president in 2020, having played a key role in their move from Highbury to the Emirates StadiumMirror Sport · 13 Oct, 13:17
• Ken Friar: Arsenal pay emotional tribute as life president dies aged 92Gunners hail ‘extraordinary legacy’ after passing of driving force behind move to Emirates StadiumEvening Standard · 13 Oct, 12:58

In this story: Ken Friar · Arsenal · Emirates Stadium · Highbury · Islington

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