'John will never be replaced at our club': Tributes paid to Crusaders stalwart who was the 'heart and soul of Seaview'
Tributes have been paid to a man who was “loved by so many” after the death of Crusaders stalwart John Alexander.
Mr Alexander sadly passed away at Crusaders’ home ground at Seaview on Thursday night after fulfilling duties at his boyhood club.
Fondly known as “Burgerman”, he was a Crusaders fan for more than four decades and held a variety of positions from ballboy, to helping out in the burger stall to then serving on the board. He was the current Safety Officer at the north Belfast club.
A club statement outlined how Mr Alexander was always “willing to help so the Club could be successful” and that “you would be hard pushed to hear anyone say anything bad about a man who was loved by so many.”
The post adds: “John was known throughout Irish League and IFA circles and if anyone could do it it was John and no was never an answer if there where plumbing, electrical, computer or indeed any issues around the ground.
"We all have our memories of John but one thing we can say he would never have done you a bad turn and he treated you with firmness when he had to along with courtesy at the same time.
On hearing of John’s passing, Crusaders chairman Mark Langhammer, stated: "He was a die hard Crusaders man who bled red and black and "Mr Crusaders" is probably the easiest way to describe him.
"He was the heart and soul of Seaview and the Shore Road and he will be missed greatly going forward. I would be amazed at how he could be in three places at once but went about his role on matchdays with great pride and professionalism.
"It was an honour and privilege to serve alongside him on the Board and his dedication could be witnessed by everyone on matchdays. What a lot of people didn't see was his hard work away from matchdays to keep Seaview functional and I am indebted to him for that.
"To John's wife Nicky, who again is a stalwart of our club, to his children who also follow Crusaders and can be seen helping on matchdays and to his father Tommy, his sisters and brother, can I offer the very deepest and sincerest of condolences to you all at this time.
"John was a one off who will never be replaced at our club and if we can do anything during this difficult period we will be there to help. Please keep the extended Alexander family in our thoughts.
"This is a very tough passing to take in given his closeness to us all and I know we will keep them all in our thoughts and prayers.”
Former professional boxer Carl Frampton also paid tribute on social media. He wrote on X: “Some very sad news coming out of Crusaders this morning that John Alexander has passed away. John, aka burgerman was a friend and liked by many. I've yet to meet a more dedicated Crusaders supporter.”
Stuart Dallas, who played for Crusaders before going on to have a stellar career in England and for Northern Ireland, replied to Frampton’s tweet and wrote: “Devastating news. Always looked after me and my family when I was at the club and even when I returned to watch. Thinking of all John’s family and friends.”