Ian McKechnie facts for kids

Ian Hector McKechnie (born 4 October 1941 – died 11 June 2015) was a Scottish football player. He was best known for playing as a goalkeeper.

Ian McKechnie was born in Bellshill, Scotland. He grew up in the villages of Lenzie and Chryston near Glasgow. Ian became a famous goalkeeper and even made history in football!

Early Career at Arsenal

Ian McKechnie joined the famous football club Arsenal in September 1958. He was first signed to play as an outside-left (a forward player). However, Arsenal's manager, George Swindin, saw that Ian had great potential as a goalkeeper.

Becoming 'Yuri'

Ian quickly showed his talent. He was the first Scottish player chosen for the London Youth XI team. He even played alongside future football star Terry Venables. Ian played his first game in goal for Arsenal against the England team in a practice match.

In 1961, he played a friendly game in Gothenburg against a Swedish team. Ian made many amazing saves, jumping and diving like an acrobat! Because of his incredible moves, he earned the nickname 'Yuri'. This was after Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, who was famous for his daring journey.

First Team Appearances

Ian McKechnie made his official debut for Arsenal on 14 October 1961 against Blackburn Rovers. He played in some big matches during the 1960s. This included a game against the legendary Spanish team Real Madrid at Highbury in 1962. He also played against Rangers in a special match for another famous goalkeeper, Jack Kelsey.

Competition for the goalkeeper spot at Arsenal was very tough. Ian played in many games during the 1963–64 season. However, after a European match that Arsenal lost, he didn't play for the first team again. He left Arsenal in March 1964.

Moving to Other Clubs

After leaving Arsenal, Ian McKechnie joined Southend United in May 1964. He played 62 games for them.

Time at Hull City

In August 1966, Ian moved to Hull City. He played a huge 255 league games for them until 1974. During his time at Hull, fans had a special tradition. They would throw oranges onto the field near his goal! This was because Ian was once seen eating an orange after training. Sometimes, the oranges even had phone numbers or good luck messages written on them!

Once, a Hull City fan was arrested at a Sheffield United game for throwing an orange. The police didn't know about the tradition. Ian had to write a letter to the court to explain and defend the fan.

Making Penalty Shootout History

Ian McKechnie made football history while playing for Hull City. He was the first goalkeeper ever to save a penalty kick in a competitive penalty shootout! This happened in August 1970, during a semi-final match of the Watney Cup against Manchester United. He saved a shot from the famous player Denis Law.

He also became the first goalkeeper to take a penalty kick in a shootout. He took the deciding kick, but it went over the bar. This meant Hull City lost the game. So, Ian was the first goalkeeper to:

• Let in a kick in a shootout (from George Best).
• Save a kick in a shootout (from Denis Law).
• Take a kick in a shootout.
• Miss the deciding kick in a shootout.

Later Career and Retirement

In May 1974, Ian McKechnie went to play for the Boston Minutemen in the North American Soccer League in the United States. He was considered one of the best goalkeepers that season. There was even talk of him playing as a goal kicker for an American football team, but it didn't happen.

He returned to England and played for Goole Town and Scarborough. He retired from playing football in 1977. Sometimes, in friendly games, Ian would even play as an outside-left again and score goals!

After retiring as a player, Ian McKechnie became a manager for Sligo Rovers in Ireland for a short time in 1979. He later worked in corporate hospitality at the KC Stadium, the home of Hull City, on match days.

Ian McKechnie passed away on 11 June 2015.