Family announcements: Graham followed in his dad's football footsteps.
The death of...GRAHAM Keenor, former secretary of Cardiff City Football Club, aged 71.
He is survived by his wife Mary, his three children Paul, Richard and Valerie, and his grandchildren.
AS the son of Cardiff City soccer legend Fred Keenor, it was hardly surprising Graham Keenor had soccer in his blood.
Graham aimed to follow in the footsteps of his famous father and joined Cardiff City in October 1951 as a junior player. Although Graham never hit the big time on the field, he showed a natural talent for organising matters off it.
But his footballing claim to fame was that he once scored a hat-trick - against Wales! The infamous incident happened during a boys' club international at St James' Park in Newcastle in 1947.
Graham said of the incident: ``At the time, I was in the boys' club near Tunbridge Wells in Kent. I was picked to play for England and we beat Wales 6-0. Rather amusing when you think about it!'' Despite his early success on the pitch, his talents for organisation led him to a administerial role with Cardiff City. From 1952 to 1959, Graham was assistant secretary to Trevor Morris.
In July 1959, he took over as acting secretary when Mr Morris left to manage Swansea City Football Club. Four months later, the appointment was made permanent. And his first season in the role saw City win promotion to the first division.
He remained in the job until his shock resignation, at the age of 43, in 1972. He resigned just days after his father's death. He then became an educational administrator at South Glamorgan Institute of Higher Education.
Graham bought a farm in West Wales, where he moved with his family.
A Cardiff City spokesman said: ``Graham Keenor gave more than 22 years of loyal service to the club. His involvement with the Bluebirds carried on a great family tradition started by his father Fred.''
Graham Keenor died unexpectedly on August 23. No arrangements regarding his funeral have been released.
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| Title Annotation: | Features |
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| Publication: | South Wales Echo (Cardiff, Wales) |
| Date: | Aug 29, 2002 |
| Words: | 336 |
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