THE world of football today paid tribute to Keith Alexander, who has died aged 53.

The Nottingham-born Macclesfield manager, was taken ill after arriving home following his side's game at Notts County on Tuesday night.

Garry Birtles played with him at Grimsby Town and described Alexander as one of the 'nicest blokes' he had met.

"Keith was the first player to welcome me into the Grimsby dressing room when I first went there, which meant a lot to me at the time," said Birtles.

"I was an experienced pro, but when you move to a new club it is nice to be made welcome and he was the one who did that.

"He was an ambitious, passionate guy. He always had a smile on his face; was always laughing and joking.

"He was basically just a genuine, nice bloke. That was what he was. It is very sad for the football world that we have lost him at such a young age.

"I suspect that people who did not know him will quickly realise what a nice bloke he was, because I expect that many people will be saying exactly that over the next few days.

"It was a privilege to have played with him during a very enjoyable finale to my career. He was a first-class football man."

Birtles regarded Alexander as being a pioneer in football.

"I played with Viv Anderson, who was the first black player to win a cap with England, and with Keith, who was the first black professional manager in the Football League," he said.

"Both were significant landmarks in the game."

Notts County chief executive Jim Rodwell was friends with Alexander.

He said: "I'm shocked and devastated by the news of Keith's sad passing. Having been friends with him for many years, my heart goes out to his family and friends."

Macclesfield chairman Mike Rance said: "We're all absolutely devastated. I spoke to Keith at about 11.15pm after our game at Notts County and he was in good spirits because, although we lost, we had given a team chasing promotion a good game.

"We were chatting about an FA hearing after he had a row with a referee at Bournemouth, which just shows how passionate he was about the game."

The exact cause of Alexander's death remains unclear, but Rance added: "He went home after the game and collapsed. Tragically, he never recovered."

Along with MK Dons boss Paul Ince, Alexander was one of only two black managers working in English management throughout the 92 clubs.

Mansfield Town chairman Andy Perry said Alexander was a huge influence within the game.

And he called for the Football League and Blue Square Premier League to ask all clubs to hold a minute's silence before games this weekend.

"This is sad news for Mansfield Town, given the links with the club that Keith had," he said.

"Football is a big family and it is always good to see the impact that former players and managers have at other clubs. But the thing about Keith was that he was just such a lovely man. He was a tough player, but also a gentle giant off the pitch.

"I only knew him a little bit myself, but I hope he knew the influence he had on people like me in the game.

"He was that kind of person, I am sure he influenced a lot of people in football and he will be missed for that. As a club, we will be showing our respect for Keith in some way.

"But I would like to see the authorities arrange for all clubs to stage a minute's silence. I think that would be fitting for a truly nice man."

Former Eastwood Town and Hucknall Town manager Bryan Chambers described Alexander as "a wonderful manager and a good friend."

The pair enjoyed some good battles when Chambers was in charge of Eastwood and Alexander was at Ilkeston.

"He was an honest man and he knew his football. He had a smashing sense of humour. He was always prepared to give non-league players a chance in the League.

"I knew him for years, going back to when he played for Boston. I spoke to him on Monday. I can't believe it. It's so sad. I will miss him."