Kane Stan Image 1 Liverpool 1935

Description

Workington, Cumberland born goalkeeper Stan Kane began his football career with Birmingham in 1933 as understudy to Harry Hibbs and never got a first team opportunity at St Andrews. Moving to Liverpool in July 1934, Kane was the goalkeeping cover for first team regular Arthur Riley but due to the South African’s great consistency, Kane only made three appearances in each of his two seasons, conceding 13 goals. Kane made his Football League debut in the most difficult circumstances in a Merseyside derby at Anfield on 20th March 1935. Dixie Dean, who was known to shoulder-charge ‘keepers as was strikers’ habit back in those days, was impeded by Tennant when he saw Dean was making his way to Kane. A disputed penalty was awarded which Kane got a hand to but Dean’s powerful kick ended up in the back of the net half-crippling Kane in the process. Kane thwarted Dixie on other occasions as Liverpool triumphed 2-1 and certainly impressed the Liverpool Echo. “It was a nice tribute of Bradshaw and Tennant, who had done so much grafting work, that they should publicly shake Kane by the hand as token of their estimation of his work against Dean’s header and his flying shot – a great shot and a greater save. Liverpool has always been renowned for its goalkeepers, and now a new name cannot be forgotten. Yes, Kane was able.”

After two further matches deputising for Riley over the next month, Kane was again called on twice over the 1935 Christmas period and soon after his sixth and final appearance for The Reds he joined Southend United in April 1936, playing in The Shrimpers’ final two matches of the campaign, at the end of which o he was given a free transfer and left professional football.