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Arsenal have announced the death of club life president Ken Friar at the age of 92, bringing to an end a remarkable association with the north London side that spanned seven decades.
Friar, who joined the club’s box office in 1950, became one of the most influential figures in Arsenal’s history, helping oversee the move from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium before retiring from his executive responsibilities in 2020.
His contribution to the club earned him an OBE in 2000 for services to association football, as well as the Freedom of the Borough of Islington. Despite stepping away from the board, he remained a familiar presence at Arsenal matches and continued to hold a special place at the club.
Arsenal confirmed the news in a statement, paying tribute to the man affectionately known as ‘Mr Friar’.
Friar played key role in Emirates move
Friar’s most significant contribution came through his involvement in Arsenal’s transition from Highbury to their current home.
After spending 23 years as the club’s managing director, he changed roles in 2000 to focus on the ambitious stadium project. Working alongside fellow director Danny Fiszman, he helped guide the process that culminated in Arsenal moving into the Emirates Stadium in 2006.
The move marked a defining moment in the club’s modern history, providing a larger home and greater capacity as Arsenal sought to strengthen their long-term position among Europe’s leading clubs.
Friar’s connection with Arsenal, however, began long before his executive career. Born in Islington, he played football outside the old Highbury stadium as a youngster.
According to the famous story, he once miskicked a ball beneath a parked car belonging to then Arsenal manager George Allison in 1945. Allison was reportedly impressed by the youngster’s enthusiasm, leading to Friar becoming a part-time box office runner before officially joining the club in 1950.
The story was later immortalised in a statue outside the Emirates depicting a young Friar playing football.
Arsenal pay tribute to ‘Mr Friar’
In its statement, Arsenal described Friar as an extraordinary servant whose influence on the club would be difficult to match.
“Since our formation in 1886, there have been many inspirational individuals who have driven our club forward, but no one has had an influence on Arsenal Football Club quite like ‘Mr Friar’ and he leaves an extraordinary life of service to the club as his legacy,” the statement read.
“One that will surely never be matched.
“Rest in peace.”
Arsenal will wear black armbands during their Champions League match against Lille in tribute to their former executive and life president.
Friar married his wife, Gwendoline, in 1957. She died of pancreatic cancer in December 2020, aged 88. They had two children, a son and a daughter.