A long-time player, coach and supporter of football on Auckland’s North Shore, Ken Edgar, has died, aged 86.
Edgar played an integral part in the early establishment of Birkenhead United for whom he played, coached and served as club captain.
The Tottenham Hotspur-supporting South Londoner emigrated to New Zealand in 1970, settling on the North Shore.
He played for Birkenhead United’s first team from 1971 till the mid-1970s.
In 1977, he switched his focus to coaching junior teams, moulded on the push-and-run style of his beloved Spurs team. At one stage, his junior charges went four years unbeaten.
He progressed to coaching United’s U-18 and men’s reserves teams before co-coaching, with Jimmy Wafer, the first team in 1996.
Edgar served on Birkenhead’s committee, was club captain and remained a strong advocate for junior football.
In the 2000s, his allegiance moved as he followed his son Adam to Takapuna and he began a long spell of following the fortunes of Takapuna, becoming a regular face in the clubrooms after games.
He followed various Takapuna teams, from their first team, their reserves and then in Division 1, often the lone supporter in the dugout or on the sideline.
Family and friends say Edgar was a vocal supporter and offered a “unique” view of the game, He was extremely generous with his time, and his presence will be sorely missed around the various grounds of Auckland.
A memorial service celebrating Edgar’s life will be held on Friday January 26, 2024, at 1pm, at the Takapuna Football Club.
Attendees are invited to wear their favourite football shirt.
For any enquiries, please email Adam Edgar at adzie71@gmail.com.
Kenneth William Frederick Edgar (1937 — 2023)
The following notice has appeared in the NZ Herald:
EDGAR, Kenneth William Frederick (Ken). The full-time whistle blew for Ken on 4 December 2023, age 86. Dearly loved husband of Barbara; best mate of his children Kate and Adam and father-in-law of Lisa and Dave; and a proud and kind Grandad of Rachel, Hannah, Sophia and Holly. Details of Ken’s after-match function will be shared later by family.
Obituaries
Through the publication of obituaries, Friends of Football tries to recognise the loss of those who have significantly contributed to our game.
