A Dundee United supporter has been crowned the winner of the Ladbrokes SPFL goal of the month for November.
Tommy McKay, 32, won the poll hosted on the SPFL Facebook page - which included a high calibre of strikes from the likes of Jayden Stockley, Tom Rogic and Joe Dodoo - with 80% of the votes cast.
The result is all the more remarkable considering Tommy had his right leg removed as a child following a cancer diagnosis and performed his audacious lob while on crutches. His goal came in the McEwan Fraser Legal Home Advantage Challenge in front of 6,000 fans at Tannadice during half time in the Terrors’ November 8th clash with Dunfermline. Footage of Tommy’s strike has since gone viral amassing online views in the millions and praise from football fans around the world.
To commemorate his achievement the SPFL and title sponsor Ladbrokes ensured Tommy’s goal was added to the list for the monthly poll of the best strikes across all SPFL competitions and the public responded in kind, voting it the top goal by a sizeable margin. As a result Ladbrokes today arranged for Dundee United Manager Ray McKinnon to award Tommy with a commemorative trophy plus a season ticket for season 2017/18.
Tommy McKay, who plays regularly through the Amputee Football Association Scotland (AFAS), said “To have been chosen as the Ladbrokes SPFL goal of the month for November is completely overwhelming and is truly beyond my wildest dreams, especially when all the goals this month were worthy winners. I would like to thank Dundee United, Ladbrokes, McEwan Fraser, SPFL, my team mates at Partick Thistle Amputees FC and every single person who voted for me. You will never know how much this means to me and my family and I am eternally grateful.”
David MacDonald, Media, Sponsorship and PR for Ladbrokes, said “It is stories like Tommy’s that make us love being part of Scottish football. Not only has he shown great heart and skill with a dazzling finish, but the response and outpouring of praise from his fellow fans has been amazing to see. We just had to offer Tommy his very own award and his achievement will deservedly take its place alongside this season’s defining moments.”
A spokesperson for Dundee United shirt sponsor McEwan Fraser Legal, said "We are absolutely thrilled that supporters from across the country have voted in such significant numbers for Tommy McKay to win the SPFL Goal of the Month. Tommy is a real hero, in that his inspirational story - and moment of glory - is a message to everyone that no barrier need be too high. McEwan Fraser Legal is proud to be able to step up and support Tommy's Amputee Team in their first overseas trip in the spring."
