Keighley Stalwart emotionally left in the final home league match

He left the club over a decade on the coaching staff, but he first joined there at just six years old.

His final league match, which will be in charge of the club, will be played at Harencien this Saturday. There, they'll win the third place in Yorkshire County.

But it was the last home victory over Harrogate Pison, with McGee and his fellow manager James Kunliff leaving at the end of the season, and the club lamenting the death of longtime president Joe McDowell.

McGee told Keighley News:

“I knew it was going to be an emotional day, but I don’t think I realized how much it would affect me.

“The club had a minute of silence for Joe, and the tunnel came out, and there were a lot of little things that really hurt the day.

“It showed us how great this club is and how everyone thinks about everyone who is part of the setup.

“It was good to go on the pitch with my two kids, and then there was a celebration at the clubhouse.

“There is always a risk that opportunities will be ruined by poor rugby games, but that was good too.

“The young people put shows for the fans and made things even better.”

Keighley scored over 100 points in his final two home games against Harrogate Pythons, and the North Yorkshire side must face another difficult trip to Rose Cottage next season. (Image: John Ashton)

Cunliffe and McGee have been helping Kayley rise in the last few years to become one of the best teams in the Yorkshire League, so it's no doubt that they both leave at the same time.

Asked how he thinks and hopes Kaley will deal with next season without their pair, McGee said:

“I consider it positive in that the club is in a really good position in infrastructure and junior setup.

“It's always a challenge new coaches have to see when new players come and other young people leave, but that's a good transition.

“The clubs are constantly going through them, but they're always going and we're in a good position to move forward.”

Dan McGee (right) and James Kunliff leave a big hole for Kaley on their departure, but the club is in a good position to deal with. (Image: John Ashton)

But it would be surreal and sad that Kayley would move forward without McDowell, who gave the club decades of life before dying at the age of 96 last month.

McGee pays his respects: “Joe is Mr. Kaley and he is a huge loss for the club.

“He was always there, even when I was younger, and he seemed to stay at the same age.

“He always laughed with you. He was always talking about what he should talk about and he was always asking you questions too.

“I was in Kaley since I was six and I always remember Joe being there too.

“He is a big part of the club's fabric and it will be weird for a while, he wasn't around.

“He has been exposed to so many people's lives with his personality and his influence on the club, so sadly everyone will be overlooked.”