Arsenal life president Ken Friar – who was behind their Emirates move – dies aged 92… with Gunners to pay tribute in Lille and Everton home matches
Arsenal have paid tribute to life president Ken Friar, one of the most important figures in the club’s history, who has died aged 92.
Friar worked for Arsenal for 70 years and was made life president in 2020 after retiring from his role as executive director.
He played a leading in the Gunners’ move from Highbury to the Emirates by overseeing the stadium project from 2000 to its completion six years later.
Friar received an OBE for services to football in 2000 and the Freedom of the Borough of Islington in 2004.
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 October 24.
A club statement read: ‘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”.
Ken Friar devoted his life to Arsenal and remained heavily involved during the most successful period in their history
‘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.
‘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.’
