Paddy Kenny

For the hurler, see Paddy Kenny (hurler).
Paddy Kenny
Personal information
Full namePatrick Joseph Kenny
Date of birth17 May 1978
Place of birthHalifax, England
Height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)[1]
Playing positionGoalkeeper
Club information
Current team
Ipswich Town
Number35
Youth career
Bradford Park Avenue
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
1997–1998Bradford Park Avenue
1998–2002Bury133(0)
1999→ Whitby Town (loan)0(0)
2002→ Sheffield United (loan)12(0)
2002–2010Sheffield United266(0)
2010–2012Queens Park Rangers77(0)
2012–2014Leeds United76(0)
2014–2015Bolton Wanderers0(0)
2014→ Oldham Athletic (loan)3(0)
2015–Ipswich Town0(0)
National team
2004–2006Republic of Ireland7(0)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 00:17, 28 November 2014 (UTC).
† Appearances (Goals).

Patrick Joseph "Paddy" Kenny (born 17 May 1978) is a professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Ipswich Town.

Born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, Kenny began his career with Bradford Park Avenue before turning professional in the summer of 1998 upon signing for Neil Warnock's Bury. He was reunited with Warnock in 2002 after he joined Sheffield United where he spent much of his career and enjoyed notable success; performing in League Cup and FA Cup Semi-Finals, two Play-Off Finals, a promotion and the Blades' subsequent first Premier League campaign for twelve years in 2006.

Kenny would later sign for Warnock once again in 2010, joining Queens Park Rangers after his time at Sheffield United ended on a sour note when he spent much of his final season on the sidelines after failing a drugs test the previous summer. During his first season at the Rs, he would achieve his second promotion to the Premier League, picking up Players' and Fans' Player of the Year awards and a Championship winners medal on the way. He remained as first choice goalkeeper the next season as QPR beat relegation on the final day of the season and was reunited with Warnock for the fourth time when he signed for Leeds in 2012.

Upon his return to Leeds for pre-season training for the 2014/15 season it emerged that Kenny had fallen out of favour with new owner Massimo Cellino. Kenny was left out of Leeds' pre-season training camp in Italy and was replaced in the squad by former Arsenal and Aston Villa goalkeeper Stuart Taylor.

Club career

Early career

Kenny started his career at Bradford Park Avenue, but left to join Neil Warnock at Bury in August 1998. To gain some first team experience, he was loaned to Whitby Town in the Northern Premier League in March 1999. In 2002, after making 145 appearances in league and cup competitions, he left Bury to join Sheffield United.

Sheffield United

Kenny initially joined the Blades on loan as cover for injured keeper Simon Tracey. He made his debut for the Blades in a 2–1 defeat away at Coventry City in August 2002,[2] and subsequently went on to become first choice goalkeeper.

Kenny was voted United supporters' player of the season in 2003 and played every minute of United's promotion campaign to the Premiership in 2005/06, saving four out of five penalties which helped Sheffield United reach the Premiership. He continued to be a key member of the Blades team in their season in the top flight but despite a number of impressive displays he was unable to help prevent the Blades from being relegated on the final day of the season.

Back in the Championship he maintained his position of being the club's number one keeper. With the team struggling Kenny maintained fine form with the only low point coming in February. Despite making several excellent saves, he mistakenly knocked the ball into his own net in extra time in a sixth round FA Cup replay against Middlesbrough, a goal which knocked Sheffield United out of the cup.[3] Kenny was almost ever present for the Blades for the next 12 months but began to voice disquiet over his contract situation at the end of 2008,[4] despite manager Kevin Blackwell insisting that the club were set to open talks on a new deal.[5] Despite this Kenny was dropped for the Boxing Day game against Wolverhampton Wanderers after being late for training[6] and he was placed on the transfer list a few days later.[7] Kenny returned to the first team after sitting out two league games and was again ever present until the end of the season including an appearance at Wembley Stadium in the Championship play off Final. Although the Blades missed out on promotion Kenny agreed a contract extension a few days later, effectively signalling his removal from the transfer list.[8]

Only a few weeks after signing a contract extension it was reported that Kenny had failed a drug test after the previous season's Championship play-off semi final. Kenny tested positive for ephedrine, a banned substance, believed to have been contained in a cough medicine he bought over the counter.[9] Following an FA hearing in September 2009, Kenny was banned from all professional football for nine months.[10] Despite an unsuccessful appeal against his ban, the Blades still opted to agree a new contract extension with Kenny during his enforced absence from first team football.[11]

Queens Park Rangers

Despite having only recently signed an extended deal with the Blades, Kenny controversially opted to sign a three-year contract for former boss Neil Warnock's side Queens Park Rangers in June 2010. Although Sheffield United did not wish to part with him, Kenny activated a clause that had been inserted into his contract allowing him to leave should another club table a £750,000 bid for his services.[12] At the end of his first season with the club Kenny was voted both players' player of the season and fans' player of the season.[13]

Kenny continued to remain Rangers number one keeper in their first season back in the Premier League making 33 starts and keeping 7 clean sheets. QPR retained their Premier League place on the final day of the season, despite Kenny conceding an injury time goal to lose the deciding game against Manchester City.[14][15]

Despite Kenny's good form during the previous season, new Rangers manager Mark Hughes decided to sign England keeper Robert Green from West Ham United before the 2012–13 campaign began, effectively ensuring that Kenny would lose his place in the first team, and as such Kenny was subsequently made available for a transfer.[16]

Leeds United

Kenny signed for Leeds United on a three-year contract for £500,000 in July 2012, linking up with manager Neil Warnock for a fourth time in his career.[17] Having been allocated the number one shirt for the 2012–13 season,[18] Kenny made his competitive début for Leeds in the first game of the season against Shrewsbury Town in the League Cup.[19] Playing regularly for his new side, Kenny made his 500th senior career appearance on 23 October against Charlton Athletic.[20] The 2012–13 season ended with Kenny being United's only ever present in the Championship, playing 90 minutes of each 46 League games.

On 22 February 2014, Kenny missed his first league game since signing for Leeds, due to an ongoing injury he picked up against Nottingham Forest earlier in the season. Leeds signed Jack Butland on loan who went straight into the first team and made his debut in a 0–0 draw with Middlesbrough, where he received the man of the match award.[21]

Kenny wasn't named in a matchday squad after the signing of Jack Butland, with goalkeeper Alex Cairns favoured ahead of Kenny as the club's second choice goalkeeper. On 25 April, after speculation regarding his non selection's. Kenny's agents brought out a statement confirming that Kenny was fit and available for selection despite his absence from the matchday squads.[22] Kenny was believed to be considering his future at the club at the end of the season.[23] Leeds were linked with a move for Southend United goalkeeper Daniel Bentley as a potential replacement.[24]

On 30 June 2014, Kenny was left out of Leeds' two week pre-season training camp to Santa Cristina in Italy.[25] On 3 July, the Professional Footballers' Association investigated alleged media reports that Kenny had been dropped due to his birthdate falling on the 17th of a month,[26] with owner Massimo Cellino having a deep superstition of the number 17.[27] However, Kenny's agent Paul Masterton, laughed off the claims that Kenny had been dropped due to his birthdate falling on the 17th of a month.[28] On the same day, Leeds signed goalkeeper Stuart Taylor increasing speculation about Kenny's long-term future at the club.[29] On 8 July, Leeds signed Italian Goalkeeper Marco Silvestri.[30]

On 1 August 2014, Kenny wasn't assigned a Leeds squad number for the 2014–15 season, with Marco Silvestri taking over Kenny's previous 1 squad number.[31]

On 18 August, Kenny left Leeds by mutual consent.[32]

Bolton Wanderers

Kenny signed for Bolton Wanderers on a short-term deal on 19 September 2014 to provide competition for Andy Lonergan after Ádám Bogdán was ruled out with injury.[33]

After just two months at the Macron Stadium operating solely as an unused substitute, Kenny was loaned out to Oldham Athletic, becoming one of three Wanderers players in as many months to move temporarily to Boundary Park, the others being Conor Wilkinson and Tom Youngs [34]

On 20 December 2014, Oldham were dealt a 7-0 away loss against Milton Keynes Dons at Stadium mk. Kenny conceded seven goals in what was MK Dons' biggest league victory to date.[35]

On 19 January 2015, Bolton confirmed that Kenny had left the club at the expiration of his contract.[36]

Ipswich Town

On 20 January 2015, Kenny joined Ipswich Town on a short-term deal.[37]

International career

Although born in England, Kenny qualifies to play for the Republic of Ireland as both his parents are of Irish descent. He was called up by manager Brian Kerr and made his debut in 2004 in a 1–0 friendly victory over Jamaica.[38] Kenny won seven caps for the Republic of Ireland before deciding to retire from international football in 2007, asking then manager Steve Staunton not to consider him for selection to allow him to sort out personal issues.[39] In 2008 however, Kenny intimated that he would like to return to international competition, but was consistently overlooked as Shay Given of Aston Villa the preferred number one goalkeeper.[40] In 2010, Kenny once more confirmed that he was looking to make himself available again for the national side but did not receive a further call up .[40]

Career statistics

Club

As of 11 February 2014.[41]
Season Club Division League FA Cup League Cup FL Trophy Play-offs Total
AppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
1997–98Bradford Park AvenueNorthern Premier League
1998–99
Bradford Park Avenue Total 420
1998–99BuryDivision One000010————10
1999–2000Division Two460402010——530
2000–01460202030——530
2001–02410101010——440
Bury Total 1330706050——1510
2002–03Sheffield United (loan)Division One120——20————140
2002–03Sheffield United3304050——30450
2003–042704010————320
2004–05Championship4005030————480
2005–064600000————460
2006–07Premier League3400000————340
2007–08Championship4004030————470
2008–094402010——30500
2009–10200000————20
Sheffield United Total 2780190150——603180
2010–11Queens Park RangersChampionship4401010————460
2011–12Premier League3302000————350
Queens Park Rangers Total 7703010————810
2012–13Leeds UnitedChampionship4600010————470
2013–142901030————330
Leeds United Total 7501040————800
Career total 584028026050606490

Personal life and discipline issues

In November 2006, despite being told by club manager Neil Warnock to keep a low profile, Kenny went for a night out in Halifax. He became involved in a drunken brawl outside a curry house with a former friend, who admitted to having an affair with Kenny's wife. The fight ended with Kenny having his eyebrow bitten off and requiring 12 stitches.[42][43] In September 2009, Kenny was banned from all professional football for nine months after failing a drugs test.[10]

In August 2012 Kenny's former club QPR wrote a formal letter of complaint to Leeds United over abusive texts allegedly sent by Kenny to their technical director Mike Rigg and chairman Tony Fernandes. The texts were reported to have mocked the club's poor first result of the 2012–13 season and, in particular, the performance of goalkeeper Rob Green, brought in to replace Kenny over the summer. Kenny subsequently had his Twitter account deleted.[44]

Honours

Club

Sheffield United
Queens Park Rangers

References

  1. ↑ "Premier League Player Profile". Premier League. Retrieved 17 May 2012.
  2. ↑ "Coventry 2–1 Sheff Utd". BBC Sport. 10 August 2002. Retrieved 28 November 2007.
  3. ↑ "Middlesbrough 1–0 Sheff Utd (aet)". BBC Sport. 27 February 2008. Retrieved 27 February 2008.
  4. ↑ "Kenny may quit United". The Sheffield Star. 18 December 2008. Retrieved 29 December 2008.
  5. ↑ "'No problem with Kenny talks'". The Sheffield Star. 19 December 2008. Retrieved 19 December 2008.
  6. ↑ "Blades drop 'late' Paddy". The Sheffield Star. 27 December 2008. Retrieved 29 December 2008.
  7. ↑ "Blades put Kenny on transfer list". BBC Sport. 29 December 2008. Retrieved 29 December 2008.
  8. ↑ "Double player boost". BBC Sport. 28 May 2009. Retrieved 8 July 2009.
  9. ↑ "Goalkeeper Kenny fails drugs test". BBC Sport. 7 July 2009. Retrieved 7 July 2009.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Keeper suspended for nine months". Sheffield United F.C. 7 September 2009. Retrieved 7 September 2009.
  11. ↑ "Paddy boost". Sheffield United F.C. 7 November 2009. Retrieved 17 November 2009.
  12. ↑ "Kenny joins QPR in £750,000 deal". Sheffield United F.C. 7 June 2010. Retrieved 7 June 2010.
  13. ↑ "Kenny and Mackie delighted with promotion". BBC Sport. 7 May 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
  14. ↑ "Man City 3–2 QPR". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
  15. ↑ "Manchester City v QPR – as it happened". The Guardian. 13 May 2012. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
  16. ↑ "Rangers open to Kenny offers". Sky Sports. 6 July 2012. Retrieved 7 October 2012.
  17. ↑ "Warnock reunited with Kenny for fourth time as Leeds sign QPR keeper". The Daily Mail. 11 July 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
  18. ↑ "New squad numbers announced". Leeds United A.F.C. 3 August 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
  19. ↑ "Shrewsbury Live". Leeds United A.F.C. 11 August 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
  20. ↑ "United v Charlton". Leeds United A.F.C. 23 October 2012. Retrieved 23 October 2012.
  21. ↑ "Middlesbrough 0-0 Leeds United". BBC. 22 February 2014.
  22. ↑ "Kenny 'fit for selection'". Teamtalk. 25 April 2014. Retrieved 25 April 20142. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  23. ↑ "Paddy Kenny considers leaving Leeds United". Sky Sports. 24 April 2014. Retrieved 24 April 2014.
  24. ↑ "Leeds United: Mac and squad are waiting for Cellino". Yorkshire Evening Post. 7 May 2014. Retrieved 7 May 2014.
  25. ↑ "PRE-SEASON: PLAYERS ARRIVE IN ITALY". Leeds United. 30 June 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
  26. ↑ "Paddy Kenny dropped by Massimo Cellino because of birth date". BBC Sport. 3 July 2014. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
  27. ↑ "Leeds United confirm sale of 75 per cent to Massimo Cellino". Sky Sports. 7 February 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2014.
  28. ↑ "Paddy Kenny's agent denies birth date is reason for the goalkeeper being excluded at Leeds". Sky Sports. 3 July 2014. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
  29. ↑ "Leeds United sign Stuart Taylor". ITV. 3 July 2014. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
  30. ↑ "Leeds United complete Silvestri and Bianchi signings". Yorkshire Evening Post. 8 July 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
  31. ↑ "SQUAD NUMBERS RELEASED". Leeds United. 1 August 2014. Retrieved 1 August 2014.
  32. ↑ "Paddy Kenny leaves Leeds United by mutual consent". BBC Sport. 18 August 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  33. ↑ "Paddy Kenny: Bolton Wanderers sign former Leeds goalkeeper". BBC Sport. 19 September 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  34. ↑ "Paddy Kenny completes loan move to Oldham". Bolton Wanderers Football Club. 27 November 2014. Retrieved 27 November 2014.
  35. ↑ "BBC Sport Milton-Keynes Dons 7-0 Oldham Athletic". BBC Sport. 20 December 2014. Retrieved 20 December 2014.
  36. ↑ "Paddy Kenny leaves Bolton Wanderers". Bolton Wanderers Football Club. 19 January 2015. Retrieved 19 January 2015.
  37. ↑ "Paddy Kenny: Ipswich Town sign veteran goalkeeper". BBC Sport. 20 January 2015. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
  38. ↑ "Barrett shores up makeshift Ireland". The Independent. 3 June 2004. Retrieved 30 December 2008.
  39. ↑ "Kenny to take a break". Football Association of Ireland. 27 January 2007. Retrieved 30 December 2008.
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 "Paddy on hunger". Sheffield United F.C. 16 October 2008. Retrieved 30 December 2008.
  41. ↑ "Paddy Kenny Career Stats". Soccerbase. Retrieved 26 April 2011.
  42. ↑ Lawler, Danielle (16 November 2006). "Star's pal bites off eyebrow". The Sun. Retrieved 30 December 2008.
  43. ↑ "Warnock furious after Kenny brawl". BBC Sport. 16 November 2006. Retrieved 30 December 2008.
  44. ↑ "Paddy Kenny: QPR will take no action over text messages". BBC Sport. 24 August 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2012.

External links