Neil Kilkenny

Neil Kilkenny
Personal information
Full nameNeil Martin Kilkenny[1]
Date of birth19 December 1985[1]
Place of birthEnfield, England
Height5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)[1]
Playing positionMidfielder
Club information
Current team
Preston North End
Number8
Youth career
2002–2004Arsenal
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
2004–2008Birmingham City26(0)
2004–2005→ Oldham Athletic (loan)27(4)
2007–2008→ Oldham Athletic (loan)20(1)
2008→ Leeds United (loan)[2]1(0)
2008–2011Leeds United122(8)
2011–2014Bristol City68(1)
2013–2014→ Preston North End (loan)7(0)
2014–Preston North End51(2)
National team‡
2003England U-182(0)
2003Republic of Ireland U-191(0)
2004–2005England U-203(0)
2007–2008Australia U-2310(0)
2006–2011Australia14(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 13:40, 26 March 2015 (UTC).

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 16 August 2012

Neil Martin Kilkenny (born 19 December 1985) is a football player who plays for Preston North End. A midfielder, he began his career in the youth system at Arsenal, and went on to play league football for Oldham Athletic, Birmingham City and Leeds United before joining Bristol City in 2011.

Early life and career

Born in Enfield, Middlesex, Kilkenny moved to Australia with his family at the age of four, and grew up in Brisbane.[3] When 7, he played for a club in west Brisbane called St. Catherines United. A promising schoolboy footballer, he captained the Queensland schools' representative team. When Kilkenny was eleven, the family returned to England to maximise his chances of making a career in the game. At twelve, he was invited to join Arsenal's youth development scheme, and while a student at Ravenscroft School, Barnet, he played for Middlesex Schools and appeared for Arsenal's under-17 team.[3] In July 2002 he began a two-year scholarship programme in Arsenal's Academy.

By the 2003–04 season, he had graduated to Arsenal's under-19 team[4] and once been an unused substitute for the reserves,[5] and had played international football for Republic of Ireland under-19s, qualifying via Irish paternal grandparents, and for England under-18s.[6] However, he became unhappy at Arsenal, chose to leave the club, and after trials with clubs including Aston Villa, Manchester City[6] and Leicester City,[7] he joined Birmingham City on a free transfer in January 2004.

Club career

Birmingham City and loans

Kilkenny signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Birmingham. The club's academy director felt he had "the ability to play at the highest level", and prioritised adding a "work ethic and competitiveness" to his "great technique".[8] The player travelled with the first team for the game at Charlton Athletic in April 2004,[9] but was not included in the matchday squad.[10] Perceived as not ready for the first team at Premier League level, he was loaned to League One club Oldham Athletic in November 2004 to gain first-team experience.[11] He made his debut in the Football League as a second-half substitute in Oldham's 3–2 win at home to Barnsley on 20 November, and scored two goals in his second game, a 3–1 win away to Bradford City, four days later.[12] He played a full part in Oldham's season: he took the free kick which led to the winning goal against Premier League Manchester City in the FA Cup,[13] and ended up as winner of the club's Players' Young Player of the Season award.[14]

At the start of the 2005–06 season he became part of the Birmingham first-team squad, though manager Steve Bruce warned him that he would not easily find his way into the team.[15] On 20 September 2005, he made his Birmingham first-team debut in the League Cup away at Scunthorpe United, as a 26th-minute substitute to replace the injured Muzzy Izzet.[16] Four days later, with six other midfielders unavailable through injury or suspension,[17] he made his full home debut against Liverpool in the Premier League, in which he was sent off late in the game for handling the ball on the goal-line, thus giving Liverpool a penalty and a 2–2 draw. Despite his dismissal, he received words of encouragement from team mates Mikael Forssell and Mario Melchiot for his performance,[15] and went on to make 25 appearances in all competitions, mainly as substitute, as Birmingham were relegated to the Football League Championship.[18] The following season Kilkenny's appearances were infrequent; he started only two games, both in the League Cup.[19]> The player became frustrated; while part of the first-team squad, he was rarely part of the first team, yet Bruce was reluctant to allow him out on loan.[20]

It was announced on 30 July 2007 that Kilkenny would again join Oldham on loan until January 2008.[21] The move was blocked following the collapse of Birmingham's purchase of Hossam Ghaly, but was confirmed a few days later.[22] His last match before he returned to Birmingham was an influential performance as Oldham beat Leeds United 3–1 to become the first team that season to win a League game at Elland Road.[23][24]

Leeds United

2008–09 season

On 4 January 2008 Kilkenny signed for League One team Leeds United on an emergency loan, with a view to ensuring his availability for the next day's game prior to completing a permanent transfer the following week.[25] He made his debut in the 3–0 win over Northampton Town, putting in an impressive performance to get the man of the match award.[2] Kilkenny signed a three-and-a-half-year permanent contract with Leeds on 7 January for a fee of £150,000.[26][27] He scored his first goal for the club in their 2–0 win against A.F.C. Bournemouth in March.[28] Leeds went on to reach the play-off Final that season but lost 1–0 against Doncaster Rovers.[28] He was then called up to the Australian Olympic team during the summer and missed all of pre-season training for Leeds as a result. After a period out of the team and the sacking of Gary McAllister Kilkenny regained a spot in the Leeds midfield under the stewardship of new manager Simon Grayson late in the 2008–09 season.

His 43rd-minute goal against Yeovil Town on 10 March 2009 was a leading contender for the goal of the season. He followed this up with goals in the 3–2 win against Crewe Alexandra and the 3–1 win against Tranmere Rovers.[29] Kilkenny was part of the Leeds team who were knocked out of the play-off semi finals,[30] with him being injured and having to be substituted in the first half of the second leg against Millwall at Elland Road. Many observers saw this as a big turning point in the tie, as Leeds lost the fluidity of Kilkenny's passing ability.

2009–10 season

Doncaster made their interest in signing Kilkenny public during the summer but Leeds knocked back any approaches for Kilkenny. After missing the entire pre season of 2009–10 through the injury he sustained against Millwall (the second pre season in a row he missed), Kilkenny found himself trying to regain fitness and a place on the bench for Leeds once the season was in full flow. With seven subs required for the 2009–10 season Kilkenny originally found himself used mainly as a substitute in games earlier in the season, coming on in games to try to make an impact.

Kilkenny started his first league game of the season in the top of the table 0–0 draw against Charlton Athletic and also started the next game in the Football League Trophy win against Darlington. He scored his first goal of the season for Leeds in the 3–1 win against Grimsby Town, the goal rounding off a fine passing move and a one-two with Jermaine Beckford, before calmly stroking the ball into the bottom right corner. Kilkenny also received the man of the match award in the same game. He scored in the game against Brighton & Hove Albion, making it two goals in two games.[31] He also provided an assist for Beckford and got his second man of the match award in a row. Kilkenny scored his third goal of the season against his former club Oldham; the goal was assisted by Max Gradel and it was Kilkenny's third goal in his last five games. Kilkenny's fourth goal of the season came against Accrington Stanley with a rare headed goal, and carrying on his impressive goalscoring form. He gained yet another assist for Leeds when he set up Beckford's first goal against Hartlepool United.

Kilkenny played against Manchester United when Leeds won 1–0 away at Old Trafford on 3 January in the FA Cup.[32] He was at the heart of the midfield for Leeds when they earned a 2–2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup on 23 January 2010. He was substituted against Swindon Town, and was omitted from Leeds' line-up against Colchester United after being ruled out by injury. The injury also forced him to miss the FA Cup replay at Elland Road against Tottenham Hotspur and the league game against Hartlepool United. Kilkenny returned to the bench for Leeds after injury against Carlisle United in the Football League Trophy Northern Final second leg. He came on as a second-half substitute and put in an impressive performance for Leeds in a 3–2 victory, also having a scuffle with his teammate Max Gradel during injury time, although Leeds ended up losing the tie after losing the penalty shootout 6–5, with Kilkenny converting one of the penalties for Leeds.

Kilkenny came back into the starting line-up for the next game against Leyton Orient after fully recovering from his injury. He played an instrumental part as Leeds were promoted to the Football League Championship after finishing second in League One and thus earning automatic promotion.

2010–11 season

Kilkenny scored his first goal of the 2010–11 season with a penalty in the League Cup match against Lincoln City.[33] Kilkenny has gained several assists for Leeds in the first few weeks of the season, including two assists for Jonathan Howson and Davide Somma in Leeds' 5–2 defeat against Barnsley.[34] After being ever-present for Leeds, Kilkenny was named on the bench in the game against Sheffield United. In November, Kilkenny entered negotiations with Leeds over extending his contract[35] amid interest from other clubs.[36]

Kilkenny said in December that he was keen to sign a new contract with Leeds.[37] Kilkenny was named in Australia's final 23-man squad for the Asian Cup on 27 December, so would miss a month of Leeds' season;[38] he said he was "gutted" to be missing the FA Cup tie against his old club Arsenal.[39]

In January he repeated his desire to stay with Leeds,[40] He returned from international duty to be named on the bench against Hull City.[41] He scored his first league goal and just his second goal of the season with a hard effort from outside the box against Preston North End.[42] At the end of the season, it became clear that club and player were unlikely to agree terms on a new contract,[43][44] and on 26 May, manager Simon Grayson said that neither Kilkenny nor his agent had responded to the club's offer and he was "keen to move on" in terms of planning for next season.[45] Kilkenny said that despite speculation linking him with a move to the Australian A-League, he wanted "to play at the highest level and that's in Europe".[46]

Bristol City

On 16 June 2011, Kilkenny showed an interest in moving to Leeds' Yorkshire rivals Hull City.[47] On 24 June, Kilkenny signed for fellow Championship team Bristol City on a three-year contract after turning down Leeds' new offer and also several Championship teams interest in him.[48]

Kilkenny said before the game against Leeds that he never wanted to leave Leeds.[49] Kilkenny returned to his prior club Leeds United on 17 September when Bristol City came to Elland Road, with Kilkenny scoring his first goal for Bristol City in the same game.[50] Kilkenny revealed before the game that he felt Leeds Chairman Ken Bates has always got something to say and sometimes he needs to keep quiet.[51]

On 29 March 2013, Kilkenny reached his 250th career league appearance with Bristol City against Derby County.

Preston North End

On 14 November 2013, Kilkenny joined Preston North End on an initial one month loan deal and will be eligible for the game away against Leyton Orient on 16 November.[52]

On 6 January 2014, Kilkenny signed for the club permanently until the end of the season.[53]

International career

Kilkenny was born in England but having moved to Australia at a young age,where he grew up, he was eligible to play internationally for Australia, England and the Republic of Ireland.[54] He previously played for England Under 20's, but shortly before the 2006 FIFA World Cup he committed to play for Australia. He was among a group of young players, selected by manager Guus Hiddink, who trained with the Australian squad in the Netherlands and Germany prior to the tournament. Kilkenny made his international debut for Australia on 7 June 2006, coming on as a late substitute in their 3–1 victory in a World Cup warm-up game against Liechtenstein in Ulm, Germany.

In 2007 he was a part of the Australian Olyroos for the 2008 Beijing Olympics qualifying campaign. In June 2008 he was one of 33 players called up for a pre-Olympic training camp prior to selection of the final 18-man squad.[55] He was included in the final 18-man squad and did manage to play one game in the olympics for Australia, who were knocked out in the group stages. After Leeds' win over Manchester United, Australia have sent scouts to watch Kilkenny with regards to Australia's World Cup Squad with the match providing to be a high profile game to put Kilkenny back on the World Cup radar, however Kilkenny wasn't selected by Pim Verbeek for the World Cup Squad.[56]

In December 2010, Kilkenny was selected in Australia's 23-man squad for the Asian Cup.[38] Kilkenny came on as a second-half substitute against UAE in a warm up game for the Asian Cup.[57] He played his first game in the Asian Cup when he came on as a second-half substitute against Bahrain. In the quarter final match, against reigning champions Iraq, Kilkenny made an appearance in the 109th minute, during a 1–0 win.[58] Kilkenny played in the Asian Cup Final, however Australia lost 1–0 to Japan after extra time.[59]

June 2011, Kilkenny started for Australia in the 3–0 win over New Zealand.[60]

Honours

Club

Leeds United

Preston North End

International

Australia

Career statistics

As of match played 16 March 2013
Club statistics
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
Division AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Birmingham City 2004–05[61] Premier League 00–00–00
2005–06[62] Premier League 1804030–250
2006–07[63] Championship 803030–140
Birmingham City total 2607060–390
Oldham Athletic (loan) 2004–05[61] League One 27430004[lower-alpha 1]1345
2007–08[28] League One 20131111[lower-alpha 1]0253
Oldham Athletic total 475611151598
Leeds United 2007–08[28] League One 161––3[lower-alpha 2]0191
2008–09[29] League One 30410304[lower-alpha 3]0384
2009–10[31] League One 35250305[lower-alpha 1]2484
2010–11[33] Championship 3710021–392
Leeds United total 1188608112214411
Bristol City 2011–12[64] Championship 4111010–431
2012–13[65] Championship 2400000–240
2013–14 League One 300020–50
Bristol City total 6811030–721
Career total 2591420118217331420
  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Appearances in Football League Trophy
  2. ↑ Appearances in Football League One playoffs
  3. ↑ 2 appearances in Football League Trophy, 2 in League One playoffs

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Hugman, Barry J., ed. (2009). The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2009–10. Mainstream Publishing. ISBN 978-1-84596-474-0.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Neil seals deal". Leeds United A.F.C. 7 January 2008. Retrieved 7 January 2008.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Pollard, John (29 May 2002). "Neil gunning for Premiership glory with Arsenal" (REPRINT). Barnet & Potters Bar Times. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
  4. ↑ "Youth Team Page 2003/2004". ArseWeb. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
  5. ↑ "Reserve Team Page 2003/2004". ArseWeb. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Finn, Stephen (15 November 2003). "English 'nicking all our top kids'" (REPRINT). The Sun. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
  7. ↑ "Reserves pegged back for a point after Brooker strike" (REPRINT). Leicester Mercury. 11 December 2003. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
  8. ↑ Hall, Stewart (3 April 2004). "Stewart Hall, Blues' Academy director, gives his appraisal of Blues' rising stars". Sports Argus (Birmingham). pp. 10–11. He's a very good football [sic], he has got a great technique. The gaffer says now we have to turn him into a 'Birmingham player', meaning we get that work ethic and competitiveness instilled in him. ... We believe he's got the ability to play at the highest level.
  9. ↑ Tattum, Colin (16 April 2004). "Blues Teen Adventure!" (REPRINT). Birmingham Evening Mail. Retrieved 3 January 2010.
  10. ↑ Haylett, Trevor (18 April 2004). "Holland saves the day". Daily Telegraph (London). Retrieved 3 January 2010.
  11. ↑ "Five-star Kilkenny". Manchester Evening News. 20 November 2004. Retrieved 5 January 2010.
  12. ↑ Austin, Fred (29 November 2004). "Kid Kilkenny's explosive debut". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 5 January 2010.
  13. ↑ "Oldham 1–0 Man City". BBC Sport. 8 January 2005. Retrieved 5 January 2010.
  14. ↑ "Awards evening a huge success". Oldham Athletic A.F.C. 16 May 2005. Archived from the original on 9 May 2012.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Tattum, Colin (26 September 2005). "Kilkenny tipped to hit the heights". Birmingham Evening Mail. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  16. ↑ Gubba, Ron (21 September 2005). "Forssell's double delight". Daily Telegraph (London). Retrieved 5 January 2010.
  17. ↑ "Birmingham City v Liverpool team news". RTÉ Sport. 23 September 2005. Retrieved 5 January 2010.
  18. ↑ "Birmingham: 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  19. ↑ "Birmingham: 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  20. ↑ Sutcliffe, Richard (23 May 2008). "Leeds star Kilkenny driven by Birmingham rejection". Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 5 January 2010.
  21. ↑ Dunn, Alex (30 July 2009). "Latics seal Blues move". Sky Sports. Retrieved 5 January 2010.
  22. ↑ "Kilkenny switch is finally sealed". BBC Sport. 12 August 2007. Retrieved 5 January 2010.
  23. ↑ Hay, Phil (5 January 2008). "Leeds United close in on Johnson". Yorkshire Evening Post. Retrieved 5 January 2010.
  24. ↑ "Leeds 1–3 Oldham". BBC Sport. 1 January 2008. Retrieved 5 January 2010.
  25. ↑ "Leeds United swoop for Birmingham City midfielder". Yorkshire Evening Post. 4 January 2008. Retrieved 4 January 2008.
  26. ↑ "Leeds get Kilkenny but not Morgan". BBC Sport. 7 January 2008. Retrieved 7 January 2008.
  27. ↑ "Kilkenny completes Leeds switch". Birmingham City F.C. 7 January 2008. Archived from the original on 7 January 2008.
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 28.3 "Games played by Neil Kilkenny in 2007/2008". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 "Games played by Neil Kilkenny in 2008/2009". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  30. ↑ "Leeds United 1 Millwall 1: Match report". The Daily Telegraph (London). 14 May 2009.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 "Games played by Neil Kilkenny in 2009/2010". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  32. ↑ Bevan, Chris (3 January 2010). "Man Utd 0–1 Leeds". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 "Games played by Neil Kilkenny in 2010/2011". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  34. ↑ "United crash to defeat at Oakwell". Leeds United A.F.C. 14 September 2010. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  35. ↑ "Simon Grayson warns Bradley Johnson". Yorkshire Evening Post. 5 November 2010. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  36. ↑ "Chase on for Kilkenny". Sky Sports. 15 November 2010. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  37. ↑ "Kilkenny keen to follow Becchio lead". Yorkshire Evening Post. 21 December 2010. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 "Leeds United: Whites ace set to miss key January clashes". Yorkshire Evening Post. 28 December 2010. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  39. ↑ Riach, James (7 January 2011). "Kilkenny eyes cup upset". Sky Sports. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  40. ↑ Riach, James (10 January 2011). "Kilkenny reaffirms ambition". Sky Sports. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  41. ↑ "Killa's sights firmly on club duty". Leeds United A.F.C. 4 February 2011. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  42. ↑ "United end the Tuesday drought!". Leeds United A.F.C. 8 March 2011. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  43. ↑ Wray, John (12 May 2011). "Kilkenny keen to stay at Leeds United". Telegraph & Argus (Bradford). Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  44. ↑ "Trio set to leave Leeds". Sky Sports. 12 May 2011. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  45. ↑ "Leeds expect Kilkenny to depart". BBC Sport. 27 May 2011. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  46. ↑ "Kilkenny plans European stay". Sky Sports. 26 May 2011. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  47. ↑ "Kilkenny keen on Tigers". Sky Sports. 16 June 2011. Retrieved 16 September 2011.
  48. ↑ "Millen happy to land Kilkenny". Sky Sports. 24 June 2011. Retrieved 16 September 2011.
  49. ↑ "I didn’t want to leave Elland Road – Kilkenny INTERVIEW". YEP. 17 September 2011.
  50. ↑ "Leeds Vs Bristol City". LUFC. 17 September 2011.
  51. ↑ "The Official site of Bristol City Football Club". Bcfc.co.uk. Retrieved 19 October 2013.
  52. ↑ "Neil Kilkenny: Preston North End sign Bristol City midfielder on loan". BBC Sport (BBC). 14 November 2013. Retrieved 14 November 2013.
  53. ↑ "Preston: Neil Kilkenny joins after leaving Bristol City". BBC Sport. 6 January 2014. Retrieved 6 January 2014.
  54. ↑ Football Stars Of Tomorrow – Neil Kilkenny.
  55. ↑ "Top Football in the Top End". Football Federation Australia. 17 June 2008. Retrieved 20 June 2008.
  56. ↑ "World Cup snub set to ignite Kilkenny's ambitions – News". Yorkshire Post. 9 December 2006. Retrieved 16 September 2011.
  57. ↑
  58. ↑ "Killa Gets International Taste". Leeds United. Retrieved 16 September 2011.
  59. ↑ "Leeds – Kilkenny plays again as Australia lose final". Leeds.vitalfootball.co.uk. Retrieved 16 September 2011.
  60. ↑ "Kilkenny race heats up | Hull City News, Fixtures, Results, Transfers". Sky Sports. 6 June 2011. Retrieved 16 September 2011.
  61. ↑ 61.0 61.1 "Games played by Neil Kilkenny in 2004/2005". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  62. ↑ "Games played by Neil Kilkenny in 2005/2006". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  63. ↑ "Games played by Neil Kilkenny in 2006/2007". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  64. ↑ "Games played by Neil Kilkenny in 2011/2012". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 March 2013.
  65. ↑ "Games played by Neil Kilkenny in 2012/2013". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 26 March 2013.

External links