A familiar face at the Etihad Stadium, Keith’s had a connection of some kind to City for most of his life, first as a supporter and then, after a career in the police, via his business interests.
The founder of Arena International, Keith helped provide expertise in event management, hospitality, and sponsorship where he paved the way for several major deals for the Premier League, FA and PFA among others.
Keith also the chairman of the panel that selected the Barclays Premier League Player of the Month and Manager of the Month along with the annual awards for each category.
Club Ambassador Mike Summerbee paid tribute saying: “He was a marvellous man – a huge City fan who was funny, generous and a genuinely lovely guy.
“I had great raconteur with him over the years and his contribution to Manchester City over the years has been immense.
He was great friends with actor Warren Clarke and they’ll be up there now with a nice cigar enjoying a glass of wine or two – or three!
...Mike Summerbee...
“I want to remember Keith in that way – great company and I’m just relieved he isn’t suffering anymore. He was a very special man who was taken too early and I’ll miss him.”
Shaun Goater also became good friends with Keith and his family. He said: “Keith was a remarkable guy; generous, open and warm.
“I got to know him towards the end of my time with City and he helped raise the funds needed to take the Academy over to Bermuda and I got to know him well during his stay.
“I told him he had to wear Bermuda shorts when he came over and his wife said that he’d never do it, but he did and he looked like an honorary Bermudian.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him and I had nothing but the highest respect for him.”
Chief Executive of the PFA, Gordon Taylor OBE added: “Keith was a lovely man who loved life and cheered up everyone who came into contact with him.
“Keith was a good friend to me personally and the PFA, he will be sadly missed and as an organisation we send our most sincere condolences to his family.”
