Return of the Mac Is So Crazy

Penalty save puts seal on return...

- Charlie Bennett

FEW players come back from handing in a transfer request, especially just a week after confirming their intention to leave.

But Grimsby shot-stopper James McKeown is now looking forward after the craziest week in his career, which culminated in a last-minute penalty save to earn his side a valuable point last weekend.

Dropped in favour of young Manchester United loanee Dean Henderson in December and fearing his future at the club was over after five-and-a-half years, McKeown handed in a transfer request less than a week before deadline day.

Two clubs came close to a deal but, with Grimsby busy trying to get other moves across the line, they fell flat and McKeown stayed put.

Deadline

Then, his luck turned dramatically as United recalled Henderson late last week, handing the gloves back to McKeown.

And, although he did not keep a clean sheet against Luton on his return, the 27 year-old made an immediate impact by saving Danny Hylton’s last-minute spot-kick in a 1-1 draw.