Cowes Sports fans are celebrating one of their own as John McKie reaches a huge milestone with Cowes Sports by scoring his 200th goal for the club.
John reached his double century against Baffins Milton Rovers on Tuesday evening (29th July).
After the 3-2 victory, John said:
“It feels nice to finally reach the number to be honest. Some of the lads were talking about what celebration i’d use when it happens, and Fin (Phillips) gave me a nudge when it happened to enjoy it.
“But really, just celebrating with them was more than enough. That’s what the club and the game is about in truth. Enjoying the goals and moments with them together.”
When it comes to legends at Cowes Sports, one name stands out over recent years – that of John McKie. The 37-year-old forward – who has now been with the club for over a decade – is one of the most prolific scorers ever to grace Westwood Park.
McKie’s Wessex League career has been nothing short of impressive, with over 500 Wessex League appearances and 335 goals at that level. But it’s Cowes where McKie has truly made his mark with 200 goals in 302 starts.
The Cowes captain has played for various mainland clubs, including Kings Lynn, AFC Totton and Hamble, as well as all 3 Isle of Wight Wessex League sides. He was born in Uppingham in the tiny county of Rutland. But he has spent the majority of his career with the Yachtsmen since moving to the Island in 2007/08.
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing, with McKie facing his fair share of setbacks, with injuries often derailing his momentum.
John confessed:
“My body has taken a battering over the years from constant injuries, so I don’t imagine it’ll be past 40 (when I retire).”
Despite the toll injuries have taken, McKie’s goal-scoring prowess remains undeniable. He’s now eyeing another target – hitting 250 goals for Cowes.
John says:
“It would be great to reach 250. However, I don’t think I’ll reach the record of 315.”
McKie’s career has seen its fair share of highs and lows, from scoring a last-minute winner in the 2011 Island Games semi-final to enduring the humiliation of being left out of the squad for the Southern Prem playoff final.
John reflected:
“The best game for me was probably scoring that winner in the Island Games semi-final and playing in front of thousands to win gold on the Island.
“The worst game played was probably the Southern Prem playoff final. I found out I was not in the squad when they announced it over the tannoy. Or losing 1-12 away to Porchester (we went 1 up as well).”
In terms of teammates, John has had the pleasure of playing alongside some local legends.
“The best player I’ve played with? It’s got to be Carl Pettifer. He was a class above. And Mike Gosney at times was from a different planet.”
As for the future, McKie remains optimistic, with a focus on his own personal goals, saying:
“I’d love to bring Southern League football to Westwood. It’s something I’m passionate about.”
Cowes Sports fans have always held McKie in high regard, not just for his goals but for his dedication to the club. His commitment to Westwood Park (now known as the Zilch Waste Stadium) – his ‘home’ ground – is clear.
John believes:
“There’s nothing like being at home.”
McKie has been vocal about his frustrations with the modern game and is disillusioned with the commercial side of the sport. The social media side of things has gone to a different level.
John believes:
“It’s too robotic and has no expression. We’re all dying to know when a kit man changes clubs after all.”
And while he sees an end to his playing days, John is sure there will always be lifelong connection to the club, stating:
“I’ll always be around in some capacity. Maybe I’ll end up joining the Country Corner fans.”
For now, though, McKie’s attention is firmly on the present as Cowes Sports’ captain. With 200 goals for the Yachtsmen now in the bag, there’s every reason to believe that more history is still to be made this season and a few further seasons to come.
