Frank McKenna (1933 – 2017)
Frank McKenna, who has died at the age of 84, was a winger with an eye for goal who joined Carlisle United in February 1958.
He made his debut on 15 February in the home defeat at the hands of Hull City and scored his first goal in the 5-2 win over Gateshead a fortnight later. He was an ever present on the right wing for the remainder of that campaign.
The following season, playing now in the Fourth Division, he featured mainly on the left wing. In all he played 46 league games for the club, scoring 11 goals.
Frank McKenna was born in Blaydon on 8 January 1933. A joiner by trade, he won an Amateur Cup winners medal in 1956 with Bishop Auckland as well as gaining three amateur international caps.
He turned professional in 1956 with Leeds United, making a handful of appearances at Elland Road, before moving to Brunton Park.
While at Brunton Park he also played alongside Seamus O'Connell and Corbett Cresswell, both of whom were in the same Bishop Auckland cup winning team.
On leaving Carlisle in 1959, he spent a season with Hartlepool United and later played non-league football with Gateshead and North Shields.
The club sends its condolences to his family.
