Ian will go down in Club folklore as the goalkeeper who missed out on the 1949 FA Cup Final against Wolverhampton Wanderers due to a broken little finger, which eventually had to be amputated.
Ian sustained the injury in a league match at Filbert Street against Grimsby Town less than a week after keeping goal in Leicester City’s memorable victory against League Champions Portsmouth in the 1949 FA Cup semi-final at Highbury.
In the epic FA Cup run of eight games which led to this semi- final victory, Ian had been an ever-present following his transfer from Arbroath in December 1948, when Leicester manager Johnny Duncan paid a transfer fee of £4,200 to secure his services.
Following the loss of his finger, Ian attempted a comeback two seasons later but only managed five games before deciding to end his playing career.
On 29 April 1953 the Club awarded him a Testimonial Match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The tribute to Ian on the cover of the programme eloquently summed up Ian’s time at Leicester City.
“It is practically a unanimous verdict that one of the best goalkeepers and also one of the unluckiest players who ever joined Leicester City is the tall, modest and very likeable Scot, Ian McGraw. He has been the last to complain of the misfortunes that have befallen him, but deserves well of the Leicester Sporting public, whom he served with great ability and in the best traditions as a sportsman.”
Our thoughts are with Ian’s family at this sad time.