Tributes paid to former Linnets boss and West Norfolk sporting great

Tributes have been pouring in for Keith Rudd, the former King’s Lynn manager, after his passing at the age of 79.Regarded as ‘Mr King’s Lynn’, Keith was a player, manager, club president and ambassador for the Linnets for a period stretching close to six decades.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. Away from The Walks, he also appeared as a player for Corby Town and Stevenage. Keith is also a former teacher at Gaywood Park and had two spells as manager of Wisbech Town. He was also a former member of the judging panel on the old Lynn News Sports Awards.Many have shared heartfelt tributes, expressing their admiration for him as a manager and a person.Former Linnets general manager Mark Hearle said: “Keith was a tremendous servant not only to Lynn FC but the local cricket and sports scene in general – be it via coaching or giving some much-respected advice. “He will, of course, be remembered most for the many tasks he undertook at The Walks, not only as a player but a manager on numerous occasions.”I always listened intently to his advice as well as his many stories of life at King’s Lynn FC where he often, sometimes single-handedly kept the club afloat. “He will be greatly missed and I feel that some fitting tribute to Keith should be installed at The Walks in due course so that his legacy isn’t forgotten by the generations to come. A true legend.”Linnets fan David Wright said: “Keith Rudd was a Linnet through and through. He first played under manager Reg Davies in the 1960s. He had to work hard at his game to fight his way into the first team. “In the 1970s, Keith and Mick Wright helped to get the club through after the 1970 money trouble. During his spell as manager in the early 1980s, he brought many players in from the north with the help of Ray Elliot.”Keith managed to get two local business people involved, Peter and Florence Farrier and they helped steady the club.”One game stands above all others, that being the President’s Cup final against Burton, who were then managed by Neil Warnock.”Finding themselves one down after the home leg, Warnock is supposed to have suggested that Lynn need not turn up. “Keith had other ideas and the Linnets won 3-1.”His other great strength was his coaching, both at football and cricket. He was at Notts while Gary Sobers was there. Keith should have had some recognition a long time ago. RIP.”Former Linnets coach Joe Simpson said: “RIP Keith Rudd, an absolute gentleman who made a huge impact as a player and coach.”He played a part in the footballing journey of so many people. “My sincere condolences to his family and friends and a heartfelt thank you to Keith for the support he gave me over the years.”Former club secretary Nigel Link added: “Brilliant coach, who had KLFC running through his bones. RIP Keith, condolences to his family and close friends.”On Facebook, club supporter David Grimes said: “Sad, thoughts with family. It’s true, he was Mr King’s Lynn FC”When I first started following, it was as if he single-handedly pulled the club along. “He brought some exceptional players to the club whilst getting local lads to step beyond their level.”And fellow fan Nigel Cross added: “This is really sad news. No one gave more to KLFC over the years than Keith. Player, manager, stepped up to fill the gaps when needed in any capacity.”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 Phil Ringwood, who passed away earlier this year, named Keith as the fastest bowler in West Norfolk.He was quoted as saying: “In answer to your Question, who is West Norfolk’s fastest bowler, my feelings are, despite Rodney Bunting playing first class cricket and Martin Saggers playing for England, on his day Keith Rudd, who bowled some very quick and hostile spells for North Runcton and Norfolk, takes the accolade.”