Background
Jack Kelsey was born in the Llansamlet area of Swansea.
Jack Kelsey was born in the Llansamlet area of Swansea.
He is regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers to play for Wales. He was spotted by an ex-Arsenal player, Les Morris, whilst Kelsey was playing for his local side, Winch Wen, then in the Swansea & District League. Morris recommended Kelsey to Arsenal, who upon watching the goalkeeper for a few games, decided to sign him.
Arsenal already had an established first-choice goalkeeper at this time, in George Swindin, so Kelsey could do nothing but wait for his chance to play for the first team
After two years in the reserves, Kelsey made his first-team debut against Charlton Athletic on 24 February 1951 at Highbury, after Swindin had received an injury. However, Kelsey"s first start was not an auspicious one, as Arsenal lost 5–2, their heaviest defeat at home since November 1928.
He was also a runner-up in the first Inter-Cities Fairs Cup final in 1958, playing for a London XI representative side against Football Club Barcelona. Kelsey also became a regular first choice keeper for Wales, making his debut in 1954, winning 41 caps in total.
He was Wales"s keeper in the 1958 World Cup, their only finals appearance to date.
They were eventually knocked out 1–0 by winners Brazil in the quarter-finals. With the help of Kelsey, Wales did not concede a goal for 70 minutes against the Brazilians, until a shot by Pelé deflected off Welsh player Stuart Williams managed to beat Kelsey. Kelsey also played for the Great Britain & Northern Ireland team against a Rest of Europe side in 1955.
Kelsey"s career was cut short after he sustained a back injury playing for Wales in a friendly against Brazil in May 1962, whilst trying to save at the feet of Vavá.
Despite many attempts to rectify his injury, he was forced to retire a year later. He received around £5,000 insurance money at the time.
After retiring as a player, Kelsey later worked for Arsenal as the club"s commercial manager, finally retiring in 1989. He died in London in 1992, at the age of 62.
In September 2010 Kelsey was inducted to the Welsh Sports Hall of Fame.