Younger viewers to BBC’s football coverage may well be aware of a rather angry looking man with dark hair who occasionally pedals out nonsense about assistant manager’s having the nerve to want to be actual Managers. That man is Martin Keown.
Mr Keown commented on match of the day on 5th May 2018 that Leicester fans “had short memories”. This after a poor and likely badly communicated end of season lap around the King Power stadium. It must be noted that LCFC1884 didn’t stay as they had no idea it was going on, but it would also be noted that wife of LCFC1884 would say that not listening seems to be a skill they have mastered. Domestic revelations aside, we thought we’d test our ‘short memories’ and see if we could remember Mr Keowns time in a Leicester shirt.
It should be said Keown was a fantastic centre back for Arsenal and England and has numerous honours and medals to indicate as such. Having an excellent stature and being no slouch at his peak, he was also an excellent reader of the game. He was also a nasty piece of work on the pitch when the moment was required. Almost famous alone for his disgusting behaviour in front of Ruud Van Nistelrooy in a Manchester United v Arsenal clash in 2003.
That may have been what possessed Micky Adams to offer the 38 year old a contract in 2004 as he sought to build a team ready to bounce back into the Premier League after relegation. Ironically enough Keown’s last ever appearance for Arsenal would be against the Foxes as they to date last lifted the Premier League trophy.
Becoming Leicester’s oldest ever debutant player back in 2004 at the age of 38 and 14 days. He started the season okay but as results started to dwindle so did Keowns influence and chronic lack of pace. An alleged falling out between him and the manager (over allegedly criticising Adams methods) and he was placed on the transfer list, bizarrely though he was still used in the team, note a diabolical display of inept defending in a 3-2 defeat at Loftus Road. Adams quit the club 11th October 2004 which would seem to maybe free up Keowns importance in the team.
He found more game time and also found time to be yards off the pace and point at every one but himself. Craig Levein took charge and not before too long Keown had his contract terminated by the wily looking Scot. He then wound up at Reading before finally hanging up his boots at the end of the 2004-2005 season. Perhaps he was guilty of not bowing out earlier but after such a long career at the top its difficult to say goodbye to the game that has dominated most of your life. Its just a shame that Leicester City and Reading sit as footnotes to an otherwise great career as a commanding centre back. When listening to him on the BBC be careful to listen for his comments regarding older defenders. Hypocritical behaviour is hard to avoid in punditry.
rating – 3/10
Better than – most 38 year olds playing at the time, like erm…….that guy……erm
Worse than – Most centre backs playing at the time.
Most Likely to…….say something forehead slapping on the BBC
least likely to……..be remembered that he ever played for Leicester. Both parties may want to erase his name from the records. Sorry Martin but you were a bit crap for us.
(last updated 7th May 2018)
lCFC1884 