Frank McKeown


Frank McKeown is a Scottish professional footballer and coach who played as a central defender. He has played for Stranraer, Raith, Partick Thistle, Greenock Morton, Alloa Athletic and junior club Arthurlie. McKeown is currently manager of Scottish League Two side Dumbarton.

Playing career

After being released by Partick Thistle as an 18-year-old, McKeown signed with junior club Linlithgow Rose before moving on to Arthurlie. In 2011, McKeown went senior with Stranraer where he stayed for four years and became club captain in 2013.
In 2015, the opportunity arose to turn full-time with Greenock Morton. He made his debut from the bench in a cup-tie against Elgin City as a late substitute. After less than ten minutes of professional football, McKeown suffered extensive knee ligament damage and was ruled out for at least six months.
McKeown was released by Morton at the end of April 2016, after not recovering from his injury, subsequently returning to Stranraer in June 2016. McKeown made a further 18 appearances for the Blues before departing the club on 11 January 2017, signing for fellow Scottish League One side Alloa Athletic on 13 January 2017. He left the club in May 2018, following their promotion to the Scottish Championship.

Coaching career

McKeown moved into coaching as first team coach at Stranraer in 2019. He was promoted to assistant manager in May 2020 when Chris Aitken left the position to join brother Stephen Aitken at East Kilbride. McKeown left the Blues in May 2021, taking on the same role with Scottish League One club Dumbarton. After four years as assistant to Stephen Farrell, McKeown was appointed Sons manager in December 2025.

Personal life

As well as being a part-time footballer until he joined Morton, McKeown worked full-time as a fireman. He was involved in the rescue attempts after the Clutha Vaults tragedy in 2013. McKeown has also featured as an extra in Scottish TV shows River City and Taggart.