Player Interview - Brian McKeown

Former 'Lie star Sniffer talks to the site about the decision to sign for Talbot, returning to Dunterlie and who he thinks will do the business this season!

In the summer, one of the players that most Arthurlie fans didn’t want to see walk out the door was Brian ‘Sniffer’ McKeown.  Sadly, the lure of moving to OVD Cup and Super Premier Champions Auchinleck proved too much for Snif, as he joined the mass exodus out the doors of Dunterlie. 

I asked Sniffer why he chose to leave the club:

‘To be honest I was thinking about a move before Frank left and after everything that’s happened I knew it was right for both Arthurlie and myself to move on.  I think after four years I was maybe taking things a bit for granted so to try to further my own career and experiences [it was the right time to move]’.  He also took the chance to salute his former Captain with a backhanded compliment 'I take my hat off to guys like Souness who can stick it out for ten years, I just dont think I could'.  When asked why he chose Talbot, the obvious answer was given ‘Staying in the Super League, as I’m not getting any younger’

When you mention Talbot to most Arthurlie fans, instantly the infamous ‘Battle of Beechwood’ is brought to mind but for Sniffer this was never an issue.  ‘It never even came into my mind while speaking to Talbot…these things should be moved on from now that they have been dragged out enough’

As it became apparent that most players would be leaving in the summer, the big guns started hovering around the star players, and Snif was no exception.  Highly rated by almost everyone who watched him, and this was a player who was in demand.  Rab Sneddon came knocking at the door as he evidently tried to build a team of former ‘Lie stars, and Frank Lynch wanted to take him to Beith while former club Renfrew were keen.  In the end the battle was won by ‘a totally fresh challenge and different scenery’ while the silverware in the trophy cabinet was always going to help. 

Four years in Barrhead brought a lot of success for Brian, and when I ask him about his goalscoring 'exploits' I get a somewhat ruful answer 'twenty, but should have been more'.  Most Arthurlie fans will remember him as being a talented and versatile player who always gave his all for the club.  Unsuprisingly, while he doesn't admit to having a favourite strike, the infamous run and chip against Pollok in a 2-0 league win in 2004 rates highly.

Late September will see Sniffer travelling with his new team to face Arthurlie in what will no doubt already be seen as an important match regarding the outcome of the league, so how will he feel returning to the team he has played for since 2001?  ‘It will be a bit weird the first time going into the away dressing room…though I’m looking forward to it, as well as having a bit of banter with the fans which is to be expected’

So what does the future bring for the man who classes winning the OVD Cup with Renfrew as his greatest achievement (not to mention the week of celebrations that followed)?  ‘Hopefully retaining the League and Scottish Cup although it’s going to be difficult as everyone wants to beat the champs.  For the long term, I don’t think I will take up coaching or management…they’re not really for me’

Finally, Sniffer’s tips for the season, at Arthurlie Joe Andrew and Bryan Smith are the players he reckons will do the business in blue and white, while Tommy Sloan is the man he picks out at Beechwood.  As for the Super Premier League, he’s lost the plot a wee bit, as he seems to think Auchinleck can do it again.  Mind you, with Snif firing on all cylinders who’s to bet against them scrapping for it to the death again!

Arthurliefc.bravejournal.com would like to thank Brian for taking the time to chat with the site and for giving his views honestly and freely.  I can honestly say that a nicer chap would be hard to find and that he will always be welcome down Dunterlie way!