Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Kenny’s hands on with business plan
Former Airdrie keeper now focuses on kit
A former Ai rdr i e goalkeeper turned entrepreneur is seeing his products being used by some of the country’s top stoppers.
Kenny Arthur spent a season with the Diamonds back in 2012/13.
After hanging up his gloves the 40- year- old turned his hand to developing goalkeeping equipment.
Rangers keeper Allan McGregor and Aberdeen’s Joe Lewis are just two of the players trusting Arthur’s products to improve their game.
His business Kaliaaer began developing goalkeeper gloves three years ago but have now launched a winter collection containing brand- new accessories.
He told the Advertiser: “I played professionally for 20 years but never at the game’s greatest heights.
“I saw tactics, footwear and sportwear develop and change throughout the years but goalkeeping equipment always seemed to stay the same.
“As I neared the end of my career it felt like the natural t ransition to research and create products for goalkeepers.
“It’s a proper business now and takes up most waking minutes of my day.
“It’s going well and training balls are our latest product.
“It flies very quickly and is harder to see with spin. That means it’s easier for goalkeepers in games as the balls don’t have the same effects.
“It’s special to see players like McGregor and Lewis wearing Kaliaaer products.
“Airdrie’s David Hutton is a close friend of mine too and he chooses to wear them as well.
“It means a lot to see guys who are at the height of their profession wearing our creations.”
Arthur, who spent the majority of his career with Partick Thistle, did not achieve a Scotland cap.
Now he cannot believe the country’s number one is wearing gloves his business created.
He said: “I was around a few squads but never good enough for a cap.
“It’s crazy and special to see McGregor wear our gloves now.”
Reflecting on his time in Airdrie, Arthur added: “I had a great time at the club.
“It was a difficult year as Rangers’ demotion meant Airdrie were promoted at the last minute.
“We weren’t ready for Division One and I was very busy in almost every game.
“But it’s a great club and I go back a lot to watch games.
“My wife Louise works for St Andrew’s Hospice so I feel a real affinity with the area and the people who live in the town.”