Eric Keen

Although born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Eric Keen was brought up in Birkenhead, where his father was a riveter in the local shipyard. Upon returning to the north-east, Keen started playing local schools and junior football before signing for Newcastle United in 1927. He played just one League game for United, against Derby County on 18 October 1930 before, two months later, signing for Derby and going on to play more than 200 League games for them and winning a first division runners-up medal in 1935-36. After eight seasons with Derby, Keen moved to non-League Chelmsford City in 1938, before becoming player-manager to Hereford United in July 1939. He was in charge for just four games before the outbreak of the War.

During the hostilities Keen was stationed in India as an Army physical training instructor, and when back in England, made guest appearances for Everton, Liverpool and Millwall. After the War he joined Lincoln City, then Leeds United and finally non-League Bacup Borough, before taking up the coaching post of the Egypt national team in November 1947. He led them at the 1948 Olympics in London, and later had spells managing club sides Norrkøping (Sweden) and Beşiktaş (Turkey).

Between 1932-36, left-half Keen won four full England international caps, with his final game being in the 6-2 win over Hungary at Highbury on 2 December 1936.