Ken Friar, Arsenal life president and one of club’s most important figures, dies aged 92

Ken Friar, a prominent figure in Arsenal's history and the club's life president, has passed away at the age of 92. Born in Islington in 1934, Friar became involved with Arsenal as an 11-year-old messenger in 1945. His dedication to the club grew over the years, leading him to become club secretary in 1973 and managing director in 1983.

Friar played a crucial role in Arsenal's relocation from Highbury to Emirates Stadium and served on the board until 2020, when he assumed the position of life president. In 2000, he was awarded an OBE for his contributions to football, and in 2004, received the Freedom of the Borough of Islington. Friar's influence on Arsenal is celebrated alongside other notable figures such as Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, and former managers Arsene Wenger and Herbert Chapman.

The club will honor Friar's memory by wearing black armbands during their Champions League match against Lille on Tuesday evening. Tributes will also be paid when Arsenal faces Everton in the Premier League on Saturday, October 24th. The club's statement emphasized Friar's significant impact, stating that "no one has had an influence on Arsenal Football Club quite like ‘Mr Friar’."

When appointed life president in 2020, Friar expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to see the club grow while preserving its core traditions and values. He added, "Every day of my working life has been at this great club and I have treasured them all." Now, as a life president, Friar looks forward to continuing his support as a fan without the pressures of management and board responsibilities.