PNE Ex-Files: Kevin Kilbane
The Preston born former Corpus Christi High School pupil and Irish international broke through the youth set up at Preston and made his professional debut in the 1995 season, in the third division. He made 11 appearances that season and managed to get himself on the score sheet once also. After showing promise in his first season at North End, Kilbane went on to become a first team regular and make over 40 appearances the following season before attracting attention from other clubs. West Bromwich Albion was one of these clubs and signed the left winger for a club record fee of £1m in 1997.
Kilbane became an instant favourite for the Hawthorns faithful and broke into the Republic of Ireland set up during his first season there, making his debut in September 1997 against Iceland. His performances attracted the attention of then Sunderland manager, Peter Reid and brought him to the Stadium of Light for a fee of £2.5m in December 1999. Again, Kilbane made an instant impact after coming on as a substitute against Southampton and providing an assist for Kevin Phillips which proved to be the winning goal.
Despite making over 100 appearances for the Black Cats, things didn't turn out as he had hoped for during his four year tenure on Wearside as he became a scapegoat amongst Sunderland fans. Many fans had pinned their dismal run on his arrival and was ironically nicknamed things like 'Zinedine Kilbane' and 'Skillbane', despite his best efforts. On a pre-season tour in France, Kilbane was constantly booed and was reported to have given a two fingered salute to the travelling Sunderland fans in retaliation. His time on Wear side didn't last much longer as David Moyes paid £1m for his services and took him to Goodison Park. Moyes knew all about Kilbane of course due to their time at Deepdale together.
Due to his high levels or work rate and versatility he became a popular figure with the Evertonians. Normally used as a left sided midfielder, Kilbane was used on the right, at left back and even as a support striker. However due to the arrival of Andy van der Meyde at Everton, his future was uncertain. A summer move to Wigan for £2m was completed as Kevin sought out first time football.
Kilbane is in his second season at the JJB Stadium and has already 29 appearances and scoring one goal. His most recent appearance was against Derby on Saturday 23rd February where he put in a solid performance. The type fans of Kilbane's clubs have become familiar with. Kilbane was not in the squad for the game at the City of Manchester Stadium when the Latics took on Sven's men and will be hoping to win his place back in the coming weeks as Wigan look to avoid the drop.