My best Blades keeper since 1970
1st Simon Tracey
2nd Alan Kelly
3rd Paddy Kenny
4th Jim Brown
5th Tom McAlister
You will switch the top two round but who is your third best keeper?
My memory/record-keeping isn't in the same league as yours, mate. I would need to see a full list before making a concluded decision. However, you normally get it about right so, working on your top 5, Tom McAlister without a doubt.
Paddy Kenny, rather like George Long, had me on edge whenever the opposition attacked. Some of his harebrained dashes from his line were almost comical. I say almost because, too often, they cost us dear.
Tracey, whilst a far better keeper, was also something of a bombscare. I well remember a five-nil defeat at Bellend Road when Bassett's long-ball was outflanked by the odious Howard Wlkinson, avoiding the offside rule. Tracey had been told, as was mind-numbingly usual, to advance from his box as far as possible and hoof it as far as possible in the general direction of the other end of the pitch, then hope for the best. He did as he was told to the bitter end, unable to think for himself. Wlkinson stuck a man right on him; the ref, having been tipped-off by Horrible Howard, applied a very generous "not interfering with play" interpretation so when the ball, inevitably, got knocked backed into our half, Simple (and by Pele, he was) Simon was left high and dry and Leeds ran riot. He couldn't adjust; he never could. Alan Kelly was an intelligent keeper. Far, far more than a shot-stopper. He commanded his area with calmness and authority. Tracey had you biting your fingernails. Remember whose ludicrous charge beyond his area began the Battle of BDTBL?
