We are delighted to welcome former Mariners goalkeeper James McKeown back to Blundell Park as our Returning Legend for Saturday’s fixture against Shrewsbury Town.
Supporters inside the stadium will also have the opportunity to welcome James back to his former home, with the Mariners legend set to be presented to the crowd on the pitch at half time.
McKeown joined Grimsby Town in 2011 and would go on to spend 11 memorable seasons with the Club, establishing himself as one of the most popular goalkeepers of the modern era.
Initially brought in to provide competition for Kenny Arthur, McKeown impressed during pre-season and quickly became Town’s first-choice goalkeeper. He made his league debut against Fleetwood Town in August 2011 before producing a string of impressive performances between the sticks.
His first season saw him keep 18 clean sheets in 55 appearances, while his performances earned him four Player of the Year awards at the Club’s end-of-season presentation.
That would prove to be the beginning of a remarkable relationship between McKeown and the Mariners supporters, with the goalkeeper going on to win the Supporters’ Player of the Season award again in 2013/14.
McKeown was a key figure throughout Town’s time in the National League, including the memorable 2015/16 campaign when the Mariners returned to the Football League. After recovering from viral meningitis, McKeown returned to action and played a crucial role as Paul Hurst’s side secured promotion at Wembley, beating Forest Green Rovers 3-1 in the National League play-off final.
His performances that season earned him a place in the National League Team of the Year, adding another individual honour to a growing collection.
McKeown continued to be a mainstay for the Mariners following their return to the Football League, making his League Two debut in the opening game of the 2016/17 season as Town defeated Morecambe 2-0 at Blundell Park.
Throughout his time in black and white, he became renowned for his shot-stopping and ability to produce crucial saves in big moments. His performance against Plymouth Argyle on the final day of the 2016/17 season earned him a place in the English Football League Team of the Week, while he was named Town’s Player of the Season for a third time following the 2017/18 campaign.
McKeown also captained the Mariners for the first time in December 2018, leading Town to a 4-0 victory over Notts County.
After 11 seasons with the Club, McKeown departed in 2022 having made an incredible 505 appearances for the Mariners, including 432 in the league.
He later continued his playing career with Finn Harps in the League of Ireland before returning to the local area with Cleethorpes Town, where he also moved into coaching. James has continued his involvement in football locally, combining his playing career at Cleethorpes with goalkeeping coaching before taking on a goalkeeping coach role with Grimsby Borough in 2026.
Saturday provides a fitting opportunity to welcome James back to Blundell Park and celebrate the contribution he made during more than a decade in black and white.
Supporters attending the game will also have the opportunity to hear from James in McMenemy’s ahead of kick-off, as he reflects on his career, his memories of the Mariners and some of the unforgettable moments from his time at Blundell Park.
Make it a matchday to remember
Our hospitality packages provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy the Shrewsbury Town fixture in style, whether you’re entertaining clients, rewarding your team, celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to make the most of your matchday.
Gold Package – £90 per person
- Three-course meal with wine
- Complimentary matchday programme
- First-class seats in the Upper Stand
- Executive Lounge facilities with tea and coffee at half-time
- Additional wine and open bar accounts can be arranged
Silver Package – £65 per person
- Three-course meal with wine
- Complimentary matchday programme
- Executive Lounge facilities with tea and coffee at half-time
- Additional wine and open bar accounts can be arranged
- Match ticket not included
Bronze Package – £32 per person
- Fish and chips
- Complimentary matchday programme
- Executive Lounge facilities with tea and coffee at half-time
- Match ticket not included
We look forward to welcoming James back to Blundell Park and hope supporters enjoy hearing from one of the Mariners’ most popular modern-day goalkeepers.
UTM
