Arsenal in mourning as Life President Ken Friar passes away aged 92

Legendary Arsenal executive Ken Friar has passed away at the age of 92. He dedicated 70 years of his life to the north London club and was appointed Life President following his retirement from the board in 2020.

Friar's association with the club began in 1950 in the ticket office, before he was appointed club secretary in 1973. He went on to spend 23 years serving as Arsenal's managing director.

His crowning achievement remains his pivotal role in Arsenal's relocation from their historic Highbury home to Emirates Stadium at the turn of the millennium. In 2000, Friar stepped down from his role as managing director to spearhead the new stadium project alongside close friend and fellow director Danny Fiszman. Thanks to their tireless efforts, the Gunners moved into their new ground six years later.

For his exceptional services to football, Friar was awarded an OBE in 2000, as well as the Freedom of the Borough of Islington. Despite stepping down from the board in 2020, he remained a regular attendee at Arsenal matches.

Born in Islington and affectionately known throughout the club as "Mr Friar", he had already been helping out in the ticket office for four years before his official hiring. As a youngster, Friar often played football around Highbury. According to club folklore, in 1945 he accidentally kicked a ball underneath the car of then-manager George Allison, who had guided Arsenal to two First Division titles and an FA Cup triumph before World War II. Impressed by the boy's passion, Allison offered him a part-time job running ticket errands.

That iconic moment is commemorated outside Emirates Stadium with a statue of a young Friar playing football. The Ken Friar Bridge near the ground was also named in his honour.

Arsenal paid tribute to their long-serving stalwart in an official club statement:

"It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our Life President, Ken Friar. Since our foundation in 1886, many inspiring figures have driven the club forward, but none have had such a lasting influence on Arsenal as 'Mr Friar'. He leaves behind an incomparable legacy and a life wholly devoted to the club—a legacy unlikely ever to be matched. Rest in peace."

Arsenal's players will wear black armbands in memory of the club icon in their upcoming fixture against Lille.

Friar married his wife, Gwendoline, in 1957. She passed away in December 2020 at the age of 88 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. The couple are survived by a son and a daughter.