Wisbech pays tribute to former football club manager after his death on Friday
Wisbech Town Football Club has paid tribute to former manager Keith Rudd, who passed away on Friday.
Keith had two managerial spells with the Fenmen.
A statement released by the club read: "Keith was appointed Wisbech Town player/manager on April 30, 1975, replacing Glen Andrews.
"Keith had 51 games as player/manager of the Fenmen, scoring 31 goals whilst in charge.
"He resigned as manager on April 4, 1976, but stayed on as a player, taking his games played to a total of 58 and his goals tally to 34.
"He went on to manage King’s Lynn first team as player/manager (first two stints) and once as just manager after he had hung up his boots.
"Keith returned to the Fenmen on April 28, 1992, as joint-first team manager with Jackie Gallagher as joint player/manager. The pair led the side to second place in the Jewson League.
"Keith joined Ian Benjamin, Jackie Gallagher, Roy McManus and host Dick Creasey at a “Legends” event at the Fenland Stadium in March 2017, where he shared recollections of his time with the Fenmen.
"The thoughts of the club are with Keith’s family and friends at this difficult time."
Down the road at King's Lynn, Keith was player-manager between 1977 and 79 and later from 1979 to 1984.
He had two spells in a caretaker management role before making a dramatic return to the hot seat in February 1989 to May 1990 - a total of 445 games in charge.
During his tenure in the hot seat, he guided the club to President's Cup glory in the Northern Premier League and also achieved success in the Norfolk Senior Cup.
His playing career was equally impressive.
He scored 185 goals in more than 500 appearances for Lynn, his first goal coming in April 1968 and his last in November 1983.
Keith’s other sporting passion was cricket.
He played locally for both Terrington St Clement and North Runcton, and also represented both Nottinghamshire and Norfolk.
In a Lynn News article back in 2020, North Runcton team-mate and ex-Fenmen goalkeeper Phil Ringwood, who passed away earlier this year, named Keith as the fastest bowler in West Norfolk.
The club, meanwhile, have announced details of pre-season friendlies.
Wisbech will begin their pre-season preparations with a trip to Pinchbeck United on Tuesday, July 1 (7.30pm)
Four days later, the Fenmen will host Fakenham Town at Fountain Fresh Park (3pm) before travelling to Fenland rivals March Town on Tuesday, July 8.
A trip to Gorleston Town follows on July 12 (1pm) before an U21s Peterborough United side visit on Tuesday, July 15 (7.30pm).
Luke Hipwell’s side will end the close season with home games against Soham Town Rangers on Saturday, July 19 (3pm) and Downham Town on Tuesday, July 22 (7.45pm).
