Blackpool hero pays tribute to former boss Alexander

Thursday 27 May 2010
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Blackpool play-off hero Gary Taylor-Fletcher has paid tribute to his former manager, the late Keith Alexander, for his success.

Taylor-Fletcher helped the Seasiders secure promotion to the Premier League on Saturday with a goal in their 3-2 Championship play-off final victory over Cardiff at Wembley.

The forward was first spotted by Alexander as a youngster at Northwich Victoria, and was taken under the manager’s wing at Lincoln.

And 28-year-old Taylor-Fletcher has dedicated his triumph with Blackpool to the former Imps boss, who passed away in March.

“The transformation to reach the Premier League is unbelievable and the one person I can thank for that is Keith Alexander,” said Taylor-Fletcher.

“He was a massive influence on me, he saw me in the youth team at Northwich Victoria and gave me my chance. He took over at Lincoln and rescued me when I was having a bad time at Leyton Orient.

“And he even let me go on a free transfer from Lincoln to help me find a better club because he thought I deserved the chance of playing at a higher level.

“I have got such great respect for him and what he has done for my career. I hope he can rest in peace with a smile on his face because of what has happened to me.”

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