Meet the Letham Gran, 72, Who Has Played Sweeper Keeper at Walking Football Since 2015 ‘Before It Was Fashionable’

By our Local Characters Correspondent

Isobel Kerr, 72, from Letham, says she has been playing as a “sweeper keeper” at her Tuesday walking football group since 2015, and was delighted to hear St Johnstone’s manager say he wants his goalkeeper to play the same way.

“I’ve always come out of my goal,” Isobel said. “I don’t like standing still. I get cold. So I walk out to the middle, I tidy up a few passes, and I walk back. If they score while I’m away, I’m very gracious about it.”

Walking football has strict rules, including no running. Isobel says this suits her style. “Nobody can rush me. I see the whole pitch. I’m like a lighthouse. A lighthouse that wanders about a bit.”

Her teammates say she is a valued player. “She’s the best organiser we’ve got,” said one. “She shouts at us. She’s usually right. And she brings a flask.”

Isobel says she would be happy to give Saints some advice, but only if they come to Letham on a Tuesday. “I’ll show them how it’s done,” she said. “But I’m not going near Kilmarnock. That pitch is plastic. It’s very bad for the knees.”

The real story: Kilmarnock 2-2 St Johnstone (BBC Sport)