Arsenal Highbury hero Ken Friar dies aged 92

Ken Friar, a revered figure in Arsenal's history, has passed away at the age of 92. The iconic club announced his demise, marking the end of a remarkable journey that spanned nearly a century. Nicknamed "Mr Arsenal," Friar served the Gunners in various capacities, beginning as a young messenger boy and eventually becoming the life president of the club.

Born in Islington in 1934, Friar's association with Arsenal commenced in 1946 when manager George Allison took notice of the then-12-year-old kicking a football under his car at Highbury. Allison promptly hired the boy as a matchday messenger, setting the stage for a lifelong commitment to the club. Friar's role expanded over the years, with him joining the box office full-time in 1950. He steadily climbed the ladder, serving as club secretary from 1973 to 1983 and managing director from 1983 to 2020.

During his tenure, Friar played a pivotal role in Arsenal's relocation from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium, which debuted in 2006. Working alongside fellow director Danny Fiszman, he ensured the project's success, laying the foundation for the club's future competitiveness. The Ken Friar Bridge, connecting the Emirates Stadium to Arsenal station, and a statue commemorating the young Friar playing football outside Highbury, are testaments to his enduring legacy.

Friar's contributions were recognized with an OBE in 2000 and the Freedom of the Borough of Islington in 2004. The club will honor him during the Champions League match against Lille on Tuesday and the Premier League fixture against Everton on October 24, with players wearing black armbands. Friar's life at Arsenal epitomized dedication and service, leaving an indelible mark on the club's history.