Chris

Born on 16 November 1898 in Derby, Tom Keetley was a legendary English footballer who played as a centre forward. He was part of a footballing family, with several of his brothers, including Arthur, Harry, Joe, Frank and Charlie, playing professionally as well. Keetley started his career with Bradford Park Avenue before joining Doncaster Rovers in 1923. He played for Doncaster for a decade and became their all-time leading goalscorer, scoring 180 goals in 231 appearances. Keetley's impressive performances caught the eye of many clubs, and in 1929, he signed for Notts County for a fee of £750. Keetley's debut for the Magpies was a memorable one, as he scored a hat-trick against Bristol City in a 3-1 win. The 1930-31 season was one of his best, as he scored a remarkable 39 league goals for Notts, a record that stood for 92 years until it was broken by Macaulay Langstaff in 2023. Keetley's goals helped Notts to a third-place finish in the First Division in the 1930-31 season, their highest ever league finish. Keetley's playing style was that of a traditional centre forward, who was tall, strong and good in the air. He was also known for his ability to score goals with both his feet and head. Keetley's physical attributes and goal-scoring prowess made him a fan favourite at Notts, where he spent most of his career. His career spanned from 1919 to 1934, during which he scored 284 goals in the Football League. Despite his success on the pitch, Keetley's personal life was not without its challenges. In an era where footballers were not paid as much as they are today, Keetley struggled financially after retiring from football. He became a publican but was declared bankrupt in 1945. Keetley also suffered from ill health in his later years and died in August 1958, aged 59. Notts County fans still hold Keetley in high regard, and he is regarded as one of the club's greatest ever players. His record-breaking season in 1930-31 will always be remembered as one of the finest individual performances in the club's history. His legacy at Notts is further cemented by the fact that he is still the club's all-time leading scorer in the top flight of English football, with 64 goals in 108 appearances. Football has come a long way since Keetley's playing days, with the sport now being the most popular ball game in the world. However, the issue of the welfare of young players in academies and the challenges of life after football still persist. The tragic death of 18-year-old Jeremy Wisten has reignited soul-searching about the role football academies play in developing young players and whether the sheer scale of the operation makes it exploitative. While Keetley's career may have ended almost 90 years ago, the challenges he faced off the pitch are still relevant today. Footballers at all levels should be aware of the importance of planning for their future after their playing career comes to an end. Keetley's story serves as a reminder that footballing success on the pitch does not always translate to financial stability off the pitch. Tom Keetley's football career was one of great success, as a dominant centre-forward who played a vital role in Notts County's best-ever league finish. His memory lives on in the hearts of football fans across England. Take a walk down memory lane by reading more Notts Alumni articles on the Pride of Nottingham, published every fortnight. Join the Pride of Nottingham and subscribe to one of our tiers to support the site’s upkeep and future, ensuring we continue to bring you the best Notts County content.