Cliftonville have paid a poignant tribute to former player Keith Alexander on the 13th anniversary of his death.
Alexander enjoyed a brief spell at Solitude back in the 1994/95 season, leaving a lasting impression on the North Belfast club and its supporters.
The former St Lucia international - whose managerial career included spells at Peterborough United and Macclesfield Town - was coaxed out of retirement by Marty Quinn.
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And despite spending just a short time in North Belfast, Alexander became a fans' favourite with his performances in the Reds jersey.
Highlights included scoring on his debut and also bagging two goals in a rousing League Cup quarter-final win over Linfield at Windsor Park.
Cliftonville say Alexander's contribution to the club’s upturn in fortunes during the mid-nineties "cannot be understated".
They said in a tribute posted on the club's website: "Despite having hung up his boots and assuming the assistant manager’s role at Mansfield, the St Lucia international was coaxed out of retirement by Marty Quinn and, though little was expected of him during a short loan tenure, he would go on to make an incredible impact at a club with whom he retained very close links throughout the rest of his life.
"He scored on his debut as Cliftonville claimed a memorable 4-3 victory over Portadown at Shamrock Park on January 14, 1995 and claimed his next goal when he emerged from the subs’ bench to mastermind a thrilling comeback against Glentoran at The Oval.
"His finest night in a Red shirt, however, came with a two-goal blast as Cliftonville eliminated Linfield from the League Cup at the quarter-final stage at Windsor Park on February 28 and, though he always spoke of his regret at never finding the net at Solitude, his contribution to the Club’s turnaround in fortunes in the mid-nineties cannot be understated.
"He returned to north Belfast for friendly games as Manager of Ilkeston Town and Lincoln City – receiving a standing ovation on each occasion – and attended the Club’s 125th Anniversary Dinner at Belfast City Hall in 2004."
Alexander died on March 3, 2010 - he was 53 years of age. He was managing Macclesfield Town at the time.
Cliftonville added: "While he represented many clubs as both player and manager throughout a distinguished career, his name will always be synonymous with Cliftonville FC for anyone lucky enough to have seen him play for us.
"And, on this most solemn of anniversaries, we once again give thanks for the memories, the iconic goals, the great nights and for always being a friend to our club."
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