The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Amputee footballer and Dundee United fan Tommy McKay’s ‘dazzling’ lob saw him beat the professionals to the SPFL goal of the month award.
Top award for onelegged footballer who wowed fans with his cheeky lob
“Overwhelmed” one-legged Dundee United fan Tommy McKay could never have imagined he would end up winning the SPFL goal of the month award.
Because when the 32-year-old performed his audacious lob at half-time during the United v Dunfermline match in November, the only thought in his head was a prayer that his “trousers didn’t fall down!”
Footage of Tommy’s strike has since gone viral, amassing online views in the millions and praise from football fans around the world.
To commemorate his achievement the SPFL and title sponsor Ladbrokes ensured Tommy’s goal was added to the list for the monthly poll of the best strikes across all SPFL competitions and the public responded in kind, voting it the top goal by a sizeable margin.
Tommy, who had his right leg removed as a child following a cancer diagnosis and plays regularly through the Amputee Football Association Scotland (AFAS), said: “I was up against players worth millions of pounds and I beat them!
“Seriously, though, I am completely overwhelmed. I can’t believe it.
“I don’t think I will ever forget this. I had no idea it would lead to this.
“All I cared about at the time was not falling and that my trousers didn’t fall down.
“I didn’t even expect it to be filmed, never mind get goal of the month.
“Importantly for me, it has gotten the message of amputee football out there and we have even secured some new players on the back of it.
“It has gotten more disabled people interested in sport and that’s amazing.
“I have had lunch with the United players and they were all very congratulatory and that was a great thrill for me as a fan.
“Also, even two former United players – Michael O’Neill, the Northern Ireland manager, and Owen Coyle – sent me messages of support, with both of them heavily involved in helping amputee football. “It has been phenomenal.” David MacDonald, of Ladbrokes, said: “It is stories like Tommy’s that make us love being part of Scottish football. Not only has he shown great heart and skill with a dazzling finish, but the response and outpouring of praise from his fellow fans has been amazing to see. “We just had to offer Tommy his very own award and his achievement will deservedly take its place alongside this season’s defining moments.”
I was up against players worth millions of pounds and I beat them! TOMMY MCKAY
The winner of this year’s SPFL goal of the month was decided by a landslide vote. Supporters of all teams got behind Tommy McKay after his fantastic lob from 25 yards stunned the crowd at Tannadice. It was a peach of a strike, well worthy of the title. That Tommy performed the audacious feat on crutches as he only has one leg should be an inspiration to players and fans alike.