22 Facts About James McKeown

James Karl McKeown was born on 24 July 1989 and is a former professional footballer and coach who played as a goalkeeper.

James McKeown then joined Peterborough United; he spent time on loan with Kettering Town and Worcester City in 2007 prior to breaking into the Peterborough first team in 2008 his appearances where limited during his time there.

James McKeown moved on to play for League of Ireland side Finn Harps before finishing his career with non-league side Cleethorpes Town.

James McKeown has represented the Republic of Ireland at under-19 level.

James McKeown started his career with Coventry City as an Under-10 striker in their youth system, he went on trial in goal and spent two years in their Under-11s before being released.

James McKeown eventually moved on to Walsall in their Under-15s setup, but failed to make a first team appearances before his departure in 2007.

On 9 February 2008, James McKeown made his first appearance for Peterborough United in League Two, coming on as a 76th-minute substitute for the injured Joe Lewis who was stretchered off following a nasty aerial collision.

James McKeown was sent out to train with Manchester United for a week in October 2009 to receive specialist coaching.

James McKeown joined Boston United in August 2010 on loan until January 2011.

James McKeown played a key role in Boston's excellent start to the season with ten successive league clean sheets and had a total of 14 clean sheets in 18 games.

James McKeown spent a week at Lincoln City on trial and a one-off appearance for Boston United in the FA Trophy due to their keeper Dan Haystead being cup tied, he then signed for Dutch Rotterdam based semi-professional side RKSV Leonidas in the Hoofdklasse league.

On 23 June 2011, Grimsby Town announced they were in discussions to sign James McKeown, following the club's announcement to bring in a second choice keeper to challenge number one Kenny Arthur after Town had heavily relied upon goalkeeping coach Steve Croudson in the previous season.

James McKeown was initially brought to the club as a backup keeper to challenge Kenny Arthur, but following an impressive pre-season he became the club's first choice keeper.

James McKeown played in the final of the Lincolnshire Senior Cup on 31 July 2012.

James McKeown was able to return to light training by 24 July 2016.

James McKeown signed a new two-year contract, that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2018.

On 24 July 2021, James McKeown was awarded a testimonial match in a game played against Rotherham United.

James McKeown had made 432 league appearances and 505 in total for Grimsby over eleven seasons with the Mariners and was regarded as a club legend by the local media upon his departure.

On 29 July 2022, James McKeown was announced as signed for Finn Harps in the League of Ireland Premier Division, until the end of the 2022 league season in November.

On 7 January 2023, James McKeown signed for Cleethorpes Town, managed by his former Grimsby teammate Nathan Arnold.

In December 2023, James McKeown became mixed his playing duties by becoming the clubs first team goalkeeping coach.

James McKeown's grandfather had moved from the country in the 1950s but he was having trouble in finding the documents and evidence he needed in order for him to play.