Notts Alumni: Tom Keetley

Such a great read! Keetley’s achievements with Notts County are truly legendary.

I’ve always been interested in football history, and Tom Keetley’s story is a perfect example of why. He wasn’t just a great player; he was a record-breaker and a key figure in Notts County’s history. The fact that his record for goals in a season stood for over 90 years speaks volumes about his talent. But what really makes his story stand out is the contrast between his success on the pitch and the challenges he faced after retiring. It’s sad to think that a player of his calibre struggled financially and with his health after giving so much to the game. This article really highlights the need for better support for footballers after they hang up their boots.

Tom Keetley’s story is both inspiring and heartbreaking. As a footballer, he was truly exceptional, breaking records and leaving a lasting legacy at Notts County. His goal-scoring ability was phenomenal, and it’s clear that he was a pivotal figure during one of the club’s most successful periods. However, what struck me most was how different his life was after football. The financial difficulties and health issues he faced are a stark reminder of the challenges that many players endure once their playing days are over. It’s a shame that someone who gave so much to the sport didn’t receive the support he needed later in life. Keetley’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of preparing for life after football.

such a great read this, @Chris. i know a lot came out during our national league season, but tom keetley needs to be in the notts hall of fame which seems a second thoughts these days. he truly impacted notts and I'm pleased that he has a headstone on his final resting place. without that, it would be very upsetting. his memory lives on with us.

It’s shocking how little support footballers had back then after retirement. Keetley deserved better.

A great read @Chris 

It is great that the old time greats of Notts get fresh publicity like this and Tom has a great story to tell too.

He was a great player, a legend at Notts, & he leaves a great legacy.

Football was harder for players then, with a much heavier ball and terrible heavy pitches in midwinter.

Players today are paid very well for doing the thing they love, playing football, but players in Tom's day, had to carry on working to feed themselves & their families, when they retired from the game.

Some found it very hard even though they tried so hard to make a living outside football.

Tom will always be a record breaker, & his memory will never be forgotten by Notts supporters.

His football career was truly remarkable, he was a natural goal scorer. Since our record-breaking season and promotion from the National League, I’ve read quite a bit about him. His talent and contributions to football should be honoured and remembered. This is an excellent read that highlights his life. Tom Keetley is a true Notts legend, deserving of recognition. It’s a shame it took Macaulay Langstaff to bring him back into the spotlight, but at least his grave is no longer unmarked. His headstone will now ensure he is remembered.

This article really opened my eyes to the life of Tom Keetley, a player I’d heard of but didn’t know much about. His record-breaking feats for Notts are legendary, and it’s incredible to think about how much he achieved during his career. Scoring 39 goals in one season is something most players can only dream of, and it’s no wonder he’s still held in such high regard by the club’s fans.

However, learning about the struggles he faced after retirement was quite sobering. It’s clear that footballers in his era didn’t have the same support systems that players do today, and his story serves as a reminder of how important it is to plan for the future beyond football. Keetley was a true legend, both for his on-field achievements and the lessons his life teaches us.

Keetley’s career highlights how tough life was for footballers in the past. A true hero on the pitch.

Until our promotion season back to the EFL, I hadn’t heard much about Tom Keetley. It’s a shame that such a player isn’t as well-known as the likes of Tommy Lawton and Jackie Sewell. He deserves recognition, and I agree that the Notts Hall of Fame isn’t complete without Keetley’s name in it.

Maybe with The Nest, the club will host more fan-related events and make something of the Hall of Fame. I think his career contributions need to be remembered more than his life after football. The sadness of being forgotten doesn’t seem fair.

It’s great to read about Tom Keetley and learn more about his time at Notts County and as a player. His goal tally is very impressive. He clearly understood what worked and how to score. It would be interesting to know about the squads he played in and how they impacted his ability. I don’t know much about his era of football, but I’m sure I will learn more. I agree he’s a true Notts legend.

Tom Keetley’s legacy at Notts County is undeniable. It’s fascinating to think about how different the game was back then, yet Keetley’s achievements still resonate with football fans today. However, what’s equally important is the story of his life after football. The financial struggles and health issues he faced remind us that the life of a footballer isn’t always as glamorous as it seems. Keetley’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of supporting players both during and after their careers.

Tom Keetley's story is both inspiring and sad. It’s amazing how he set records, becoming a legendary figure in the sport, but heart breaking to read about his struggles after football, as the physical and emotional toll of his career became more apparent. Despite his remarkable achievements, he faced numerous challenges in his post-football life, leaving behind a legacy marked by both triumph and personal hardship.

Seeing Macaulay Langstaff reach the record was something I might only witness once in a lifetime for Notts. It truly adds to the appreciation and respect that Tom Keetley’s name deserves. He must have been a brilliant player in his time, and his achievements at Doncaster are nothing to overlook either. 

I hope Doncaster fans get a chance to read this article because players, even after they retire, can bring fans together, and the memory of that player continues to shine brightly.

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None of us had the privilege of seeing Keetley play so it really is a testament to his skill as a goal scorer that we can talk about him more than 90 years later, he truly is a legend in every sense of the word and I hope his name will be on Notts fans lips for many years to come.