Doug Alexander, Oxford Road Hero
I first met Doug way back in the summer of 1972 when Cray were still playing at Grassmeade. Doug was a member of the 279 Chislehurst football club that was swallowed up by a merger with Cray Wanderers. He arrived on the scene just as the Wands were trying to rebuild the team after the mass walkout of the club's previous players and manager earlier in 1972. John Biddle became manager and Doug became a voluntary behind-the-scenes helper.
I last met and spoke with Doug and his daughter Jane at the Aveley game in 2009, when Cray had just been promoted to the Isthmian League Premier Division for the first time. We chatted about old times of the 1970s at Oxford Road. Among other things, Doug used to drive Cray's old Bedford coach to away games and, he was a barman in the clubhouse at Grassmeade while we were still playing there.
I am sure that everyone who knew Doug, either through our club or personally away from the game, will miss him terribly as he added a cheeky sparkle to most people's lives even if only for a short time on a Saturday afternoon. Sincerest condolences to Doug's family are no doubt shared by the many who knew him.
The photo above shows Doug (right), Dave Jackson (back) and myself enjoying an amusing moment during one of Cray's matches at Hayes Lane in 2006. (Click photo to enlarge).
Rest in peace, Dougie.
Trevor Mulligan