Ken Veysey
Encyclopedia
Kenneth James Veysey is an English former professional football goalkeeper and is currently goalkeeping coach at Torquay United
. He was born in Hackney
, London
.
, but on failing to make the grade followed his family who had moved to Devon
. He joined Dawlish Town
from where he was signed by Torquay United
manager Cyril Knowles
in November 1987. He waited a year to establish himself in the first-team, due to the form of first Kenny Allen
and then Paul Crichton
but took his chance when it came along, playing a major role in Torquay's run to Wembley in the 1989 Sherpa Van Trophy
. However, on the 15th of April 1989 Veysey suffered a serious leg injury after a collision with his teammate David Cole in a 3-1 defeat by Leyton Orient
at Brisbane Road. Kenny Allen
was brought back to Plainmoor
from semi-retirement and went on to play in the semi-final second leg victory over Wolves
at Molineux
(a game Wolves were so sure they'd win, they'd already booked their hotel for Wembley) and the final against Bolton Wanderers
, with Veysey watching from the sidelines.
The following season he was an ever-present (totalling 55 appearances in all league and cup games) and was voted Player of the Year. After 72 league appearances for the Gulls, Veysey moved to Oxford United
in October 1990 for a fee of £110,000. He stayed at the Manor Ground for almost 3 years, making 57 league appearances before joining Reading
on a free transfer in August 1993. He failed to break into the first team at Reading and subsequently returned to Devon, joining Exeter City
on a free transfer in October 1993.
He made 12 league appearances for the Grecians before dropping out of league football in the summer of 1994, eventually joining Dorchester Town
, who were then managed by former Torquay manager Stuart Morgan
.
In August 1997 he was released by Dorchester after turning down a reduced contract and rejoined Torquay United, signing on a part-time basis, originally as cover for Matt Gregg
. He returned to the first team in September 1997, playing in a 2-0 defeat against Swansea City at the Vetch Field, and although he was at fault for the second goal, retained his place in the side. As Torquay pushed for promotion, Veysey was an integral part of the side, but in one of the final games of the season, handled the ball outside of his area, saving a certain goal, and was sent off and suspended for the play-off final at Wembley against Colchester United
, Matt Gregg
taking his place. The following seaosn, Veysey was injured, and Neville Southall
was signed, originally as cover for Gregg
, but soon became the first team regular and kept his place when Veysey had receovered from injury.
Veysey was released in the summer of 1999, having played 37 league games in his second spell with the Gulls. On the 7th of August 1999, he joined Kevin Hodges
' Plymouth Argyle
, as cover for the only Argyle keeper Jon Sheffield
. He played 6 times in the league that season, but was released by Argyle in May 2000, joining Taunton Town
during the close-season, although his appearances for Taunton were restricted by a back injury, and in October 2000 he was appointed goalkeeping coach at Torquay United.
In December 1999, Veysey had opened a golf equipment shop, "The Golf Locker", in the Preston area of Paignton
, along with his former team-mate Chris Myers
.He is now a postman at Torquay D.O.
In June 2007, Veysey was announced as Torquay United's new goalkeeping coach.
Torquay United F.C.
Torquay United Football Club, nicknamed the Gulls, are an English association football club based in the tourist resort town of Torquay, Devon. They played in the Conference National in 2008–09, but were promoted to Football League Two after a 2–0 win over Cambridge United on 17 May 2009 at Wembley...
. He was born in Hackney
London Borough of Hackney
The London Borough of Hackney is a London borough of North/North East London, and forms part of inner London. The local authority is Hackney London Borough Council....
, London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
.
Biography
Ken Veysey began his career as an apprentice with ArsenalArsenal F.C.
Arsenal Football Club is a professional English Premier League football club based in North London. One of the most successful clubs in English football, it has won 13 First Division and Premier League titles and 10 FA Cups...
, but on failing to make the grade followed his family who had moved to Devon
Devon
Devon is a large county in southwestern England. The county is sometimes referred to as Devonshire, although the term is rarely used inside the county itself as the county has never been officially "shired", it often indicates a traditional or historical context.The county shares borders with...
. He joined Dawlish Town
Dawlish Town F.C.
Dawlish Town A.F.C. was a football club based in Dawlish, Devon, England. The club played in the Western League Premier Division and in March 2008 the club entered into a partnership with Newton Abbot to share administrative resources, although the playing staff remained separate.In October 2003...
from where he was signed by Torquay United
Torquay United F.C.
Torquay United Football Club, nicknamed the Gulls, are an English association football club based in the tourist resort town of Torquay, Devon. They played in the Conference National in 2008–09, but were promoted to Football League Two after a 2–0 win over Cambridge United on 17 May 2009 at Wembley...
manager Cyril Knowles
Cyril Knowles
Cyril Barry Knowles was a footballer who played full-back for Tottenham Hotspur and England. He was the brother of fellow professional footballer Peter Knowles.- Early career :...
in November 1987. He waited a year to establish himself in the first-team, due to the form of first Kenny Allen
Kenny Allen (footballer)
Kenneth Richard Allen in Thornaby-on-Tees is a retired English professional football goalkeeper.Kenny Allen began his career as an amateur with Hartlepool United, who he joined in August 1968 from non-league Tow Law Town, a side later to produce Chris Waddle...
and then Paul Crichton
Paul Crichton
Paul Andrew Crichton is an English professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper and is currently the goalkeeping coach of Football League Championship side Sheffield United, where he is also registered as a player...
but took his chance when it came along, playing a major role in Torquay's run to Wembley in the 1989 Sherpa Van Trophy
Football League Trophy
The Football League Trophy, currently known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy for sponsorship reasons, is an annual English association football knock-out competition open to the 48 clubs in Football League One and Football League Two, the bottom two divisions in the four fully professional top...
. However, on the 15th of April 1989 Veysey suffered a serious leg injury after a collision with his teammate David Cole in a 3-1 defeat by Leyton Orient
Leyton Orient F.C.
Leyton Orient F.C. are an English professional football club in East London. They currently play in Football League One and are known to their fans as the O's.Leyton Orient have spent one season in the top flight of English football, in 1962–63...
at Brisbane Road. Kenny Allen
Kenny Allen (footballer)
Kenneth Richard Allen in Thornaby-on-Tees is a retired English professional football goalkeeper.Kenny Allen began his career as an amateur with Hartlepool United, who he joined in August 1968 from non-league Tow Law Town, a side later to produce Chris Waddle...
was brought back to Plainmoor
Plainmoor
Plainmoor is a suburb of Torquay, Devon, but is best known as the name of the stadium in which Torquay United Football Club currently play.-History:...
from semi-retirement and went on to play in the semi-final second leg victory over Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club that represents the city of Wolverhampton in the West Midlands region. They are members of the Premier League, the highest level of English football. The club was founded in 1877 and since 1889 has played at...
at Molineux
Molineux stadium
Molineux Stadium is a Premier League football stadium situated in Whitmore Reans, Wolverhampton, England. It has been the home ground of Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club since 1889, and has a long and illustrious history as the first 'new build' stadium in Football League history, one of the...
(a game Wolves were so sure they'd win, they'd already booked their hotel for Wembley) and the final against Bolton Wanderers
Bolton Wanderers F.C.
Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional association football club based in the area of Horwich in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater Manchester. They began their current spell in the Premier League in 2001....
, with Veysey watching from the sidelines.
The following season he was an ever-present (totalling 55 appearances in all league and cup games) and was voted Player of the Year. After 72 league appearances for the Gulls, Veysey moved to Oxford United
Oxford United F.C.
Oxford United Football Club is an English association football club based in Oxford, Oxfordshire. The club play in League Two, following promotion from the Conference National in May 2010. The club had been a non-League side since their relegation from the Football League in the 2005–06 season. The...
in October 1990 for a fee of £110,000. He stayed at the Manor Ground for almost 3 years, making 57 league appearances before joining Reading
Reading F.C.
Reading Football Club is an English association football club based in the town of Reading, Berkshire who currently play in the Championship...
on a free transfer in August 1993. He failed to break into the first team at Reading and subsequently returned to Devon, joining Exeter City
Exeter City F.C.
Exeter City Football Club is an English football club, based in Exeter, which is owned by its fans through the Exeter City Supporters Trust.The club was a member of the Football League from 1920 to 2003...
on a free transfer in October 1993.
He made 12 league appearances for the Grecians before dropping out of league football in the summer of 1994, eventually joining Dorchester Town
Dorchester Town F.C.
Dorchester Town Football Club are a semi-professional football club, based in Dorchester, Dorset, England, and currently playing in the Blue Square Bet South...
, who were then managed by former Torquay manager Stuart Morgan
Stuart Morgan
Stuart Edward Morgan is a Welsh former professional footballer and football manager. A central defender, he made 222 appearances in the Football League playing for Torquay United, Reading, Colchester United and A.F.C. Bournemouth...
.
In August 1997 he was released by Dorchester after turning down a reduced contract and rejoined Torquay United, signing on a part-time basis, originally as cover for Matt Gregg
Matt Gregg
Matthew Stephen "Matt" Gregg is a football goalkeeper currently playing for Bray Wanderers. He also runs a goalkeeper coaching school in Dublin.- Playing career :...
. He returned to the first team in September 1997, playing in a 2-0 defeat against Swansea City at the Vetch Field, and although he was at fault for the second goal, retained his place in the side. As Torquay pushed for promotion, Veysey was an integral part of the side, but in one of the final games of the season, handled the ball outside of his area, saving a certain goal, and was sent off and suspended for the play-off final at Wembley against Colchester United
Colchester United F.C.
Colchester United Football Club is an English football club based in Colchester. The club was formed in 1937, and briefly shared their old Layer Road home with now defunct side Colchester Town who had previously used the ground from 1910....
, Matt Gregg
Matt Gregg
Matthew Stephen "Matt" Gregg is a football goalkeeper currently playing for Bray Wanderers. He also runs a goalkeeper coaching school in Dublin.- Playing career :...
taking his place. The following seaosn, Veysey was injured, and Neville Southall
Neville Southall
Neville Southall MBE is a former Wales international footballer, best known for his time with Everton. He has been described as one of the best goalkeepers of his generation and won the FWA Footballer of the Year award in 1985...
was signed, originally as cover for Gregg
Matt Gregg
Matthew Stephen "Matt" Gregg is a football goalkeeper currently playing for Bray Wanderers. He also runs a goalkeeper coaching school in Dublin.- Playing career :...
, but soon became the first team regular and kept his place when Veysey had receovered from injury.
Veysey was released in the summer of 1999, having played 37 league games in his second spell with the Gulls. On the 7th of August 1999, he joined Kevin Hodges
Kevin Hodges
Kevin Hodges is a retired English footballer and manager who played as a midfielder, and now works as a coach. He spent the majority of his playing career with Plymouth Argyle of the Football League, where he is the club's all-time appearance record holder...
' Plymouth Argyle
Plymouth Argyle F.C.
Plymouth Argyle Football Club is an English professional football club, based in Plymouth, Devon, that plays in Football League Two.Since becoming professional in 1903, the club has won five Football League titles, five Southern League titles and one Western League title. The 2009–10 season was the...
, as cover for the only Argyle keeper Jon Sheffield
Jon Sheffield
Jonathon Sheffield is a former professional goalkeeper.Sheffield came through the youth system at Norwich City, but made just one appearance for their first team when he deputised for the suspended Bryan Gunn in a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa at Carrow Road on 15 April 1989...
. He played 6 times in the league that season, but was released by Argyle in May 2000, joining Taunton Town
Taunton Town F.C.
Taunton Town Football Club are an English football club based in Taunton, Somerset, England. They compete in the Southern Football League Division One South & West, and play their home matches at their Wordsworth Drive ground which they moved into during the 1953 season...
during the close-season, although his appearances for Taunton were restricted by a back injury, and in October 2000 he was appointed goalkeeping coach at Torquay United.
In December 1999, Veysey had opened a golf equipment shop, "The Golf Locker", in the Preston area of Paignton
Paignton
Paignton is a coastal town in Devon in England. Together with Torquay and Brixham it forms the unitary authority of Torbay which was created in 1998. The Torbay area is a holiday destination known as the English Riviera. Paignton's population in the United Kingdom Census of 2001 was 48,251. It has...
, along with his former team-mate Chris Myers
Chris Myers (footballer)
Christopher Myers is an English former professional footballer who played for clubs including Torquay United and Exeter City.-Career:...
.He is now a postman at Torquay D.O.
In June 2007, Veysey was announced as Torquay United's new goalkeeping coach.