Memories Of Jack Kelsey

Roy Hills wrote:

I first saw Jack performing for Arsenal in 1957. Thereafter, until his sad retirement due to injury, he was my absolute idol. Jack was a superb goalkeeper and some of his saves defied logic. Anyone who has watched him would agree that his ability in the air when catching high crosses has not, and never will be, surpassed.
Like another admirer I also recall him running onto the pitch seemingly smoking a cigarette but wonder if I was wrong and that he was actually inhaling one of those menthol head clearers - perhaps someone in the know can definitively clear that one up?
In those days (1957 - 1960) Arsenal were frequently a mediocre outfit and it was a joy to see the late great Jack perform so consistently excellently. I miss him in action even after over 40 years

gabby wrote:

now aged 62 i remember attending my first internationl aged 12 in cardiff to see my hero jack kelsey. as a young golkeeper i could not take my eyes off him. he always seemed to be in the newspapers with photos making great saves and is the reason i have been an arsenal fan for the last 50 odd years. has there been a better gooner between the sticks?

keith worthing wrote:

I remember the story that Jack's secret to catching the ball was to cover his hands with his discarded chewing gum during the match.
Also whenever he was faced with a penalty he used to approach the opposing player and bet that he could save it. How many players he put off I don't know, but if he bet that the player WOULD score surely that would have put the player under more pressue, and Jack would win the bet if he failed to stop the penalty. I don't know how he got on.

stephen harris wrote:

I am sure I saw him smoke a cigarette in a game against fulham

daniel kelsey wrote:

hey i didnt know jack, i was only 2 years old when he died but im related to him. he is my grandfathers cousin or sumthin like that thas all i got to say for now byebye

Steve Derby wrote:

I recall a remarkable game at West Ham which ended with Lawrie Leslie, Hammers Scottish international goalkeeper playing on the wing after an injury. No subs in those days.
During the game, Jack made an unbelievable save, defying the laws of gravity to catch the ball higher than I had ever seen - then or since.
I was in with a load of Arsenal supporters (ah, what wonderful peaceful days they were!) and I asked them why they weren't applauding as wildly as the rest of us. I'll never forget their answer:- "See it every week, mate, see it every week!"
Talk about spoiled by a surfeit of excellence! What a 'keeper!