Hegan Lieutenant Kenneth “Jackie” Image 5 Corinthians 1927

Description

Coventry, Warwickshire born outside left Lieutenant Kenneth “Jackie” Hegan had a hugely successful amateur career in both Army football and for The Corinthians. He played for the Royal Military College football team at Sandhurst, and he was then with The Royal Dublin Fusiliers until they were disbanded in July 1922. Following the dissolution Hegan joined The Royal Army Service Corps and he also played for the Army XI.

Hegan played for The Corinthians from 1919, playing his final Corinthians game on their 1933 tour of Denmark, having scored 50 goals in 167 appearances for the famous amateurs. He also played for amateur club Collyhurst United in 1921.

He had an exceptionally long career for the England Amateur international team between 1920, when he scored on his debut in a win over France in Rouen, and March 1932, in total he won 23 caps scoring 5 goals, and he also played for Great Britain in the 1920 Olympic Games, where they lost to Norway in Antwerp. Hegan also played for The Amateurs against The Professionals in three FA Charity Shield matches: in their 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge in October 1923; in their 3-1 defeat at Highbury in October 1924; and finally in their 3-0 defeat at The Den, Millwall in October 1929.

He was first selected for England in May 1921 and March 1922, however having been reserve against Belgium he was forced to withdraw through injury from his second call up to face Wales. He made his full England debut in March 1923 scoring twice in a 6-1 romp over Belgium at Highbury, then followed that up with a brace against France in May in a 4-1 win. He then played 2 further internationals in October and November 1923 against Ireland and Belgium.

He later attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was awarded the OBE in September 1943.