Matthew Kilgallon Explained

Matthew Kilgallon
Fullname:Matthew Shaun Kilgallon[1]
Birth Date:8 January 1984
Birth Place:York, England
Height:1.88m (06.17feet)[2]
Position:Centre-back
Youthclubs1:York City
Youthyears2:–2002
Youthclubs2:Leeds United
Years1:2002–2007
Clubs1:Leeds United
Caps1:80
Goals1:3
Years2:2003
Clubs2:West Ham United (loan)
Caps2:3
Goals2:0
Years3:2007–2010
Clubs3:Sheffield United
Caps3:107
Goals3:4
Years4:2010–2013
Clubs4:Sunderland
Caps4:23
Goals4:0
Years5:2010
Clubs5:Middlesbrough (loan)
Caps5:2
Goals5:0
Years6:2011
Clubs6:Doncaster Rovers (loan)
Caps6:12
Goals6:0
Years7:2013–2016
Clubs7:Blackburn Rovers
Caps7:57
Goals7:2
Years8:2016–2018
Clubs8:Bradford City
Caps8:49
Goals8:4
Years9:2018–2019
Caps9:25
Goals9:0
Years10:2019–2020
Clubs10:Hyderabad
Caps10:17
Goals10:1
Years11:2020–2021
Clubs11:Buxton
Caps11:6
Goals11:0
Totalcaps:381
Totalgoals:14
Nationalyears1:2002
Nationalteam1:England U18
Nationalcaps1:5
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:2002
Nationalteam2:England U19
Nationalcaps2:2
Nationalgoals2:0
Nationalyears3:2003
Nationalteam3:England U20
Nationalcaps3:4
Nationalgoals3:0
Nationalyears4:2004–2006
Nationalteam4:England U21
Nationalcaps4:5
Nationalgoals4:0

Matthew Shaun Kilgallon (born 8 January 1984) is an English former professional footballer who played as a centre-back.

Kilgallon began his career at Leeds United, where he came through the youth set up before becoming a fixture in their first team. He moved to Sheffield United where he spent three years before moving to Sunderland. He has had spells on loan at West Ham, Middlesbrough and Doncaster Rovers. He made five appearances for the England U21s.

Early life

Kilgallon was born in York.[3] and was raised in the nearby village of Appleton Roebuck.[4] He attended Tadcaster Grammar School.[5]

Club career

Leeds United

Kilgallon played in York City's youth system before signing for Leeds United at the age of 12.[6] He signed schoolboy forms with the club in 1998, before being offered a three-year scholarship the following year.[7] He signed a one-year professional contract with Leeds at the end of his scholarship.[8] Kilgallon was first called up to the first team for a UEFA Cup match away to Metalurh Zaporizhya on 3 October 2002,[9] although he did not make the matchday squad.[10]

In his first season in the Championship with Leeds, he was mainly playing left-back with Paul Butler and Sean Gregan the main centre-back partnership. Kilgallon also displaced Clarke Carlisle and Michael Duberry in the pecking order. He played in their run to the 2006 Championship play-offs, helping them make the final, which Leeds lost 3–0 against Watford at the Millennium Stadium.

Kilgallon was the subject of a failed bid of over £1 million from newly promoted Premier League club Reading in August 2006.[11] He played in most of Leeds's matches of the first half of the 2006–07 season, keeping experienced centre-backs Paul Butler, Sean Gregan and Hayden Foxe out of the team.

Sheffield United

Kilgallon signed for Premier League Sheffield United on 8 January 2007 for a £1.75 million fee, rising to £2 million with add-ons.[12] Despite recovering from an early injury, he did not make his debut until starting in a 1–0 loss away to Bolton Wanderers on 31 March 2007.

Having been used sparingly in the Premier League, Kilgallon established himself in the team in the Championship. He scored his first goal for Sheffield United on 15 December 2007, with a deflected header in the 64th minute of a 1–0 home victory over local rivals Barnsley.[13] He was virtually ever-present in the team in the 2008–09 season, and was voted Sheffield United Player of the Year at the end of the season.[14]

Kilgallon started the 2009–10 season as a regular starter once more, but with his contract due to expire the following summer, discussions over a new contract with the club were unsuccessful.[15] At the turn of the year, Kilgallon announced that he intended to see out the remainder of his contract[16] and rejected the opportunity to open transfer talk with Premier League club Burnley.[17]

Sunderland

Kilgallon signed for Premier League club Sunderland on 21 January 2010 on a three-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee.[18] He made his debut six days later, starting in a 2–0 loss away to Everton. Kilgallon struggled to make an impact during Sunderland's winless run until a man-of-the-match performance against Hull City on 24 April 2010, his first start in months.

On 19 August 2010, Kilgallon joined Championship club Middlesbrough on loan for the 2010–11 season.[19] After a man-of-the-match performance at left-back against Sheffield United, his loan was cut short by injury. On 12 January 2011, Kilgallon joined another Championship club, Doncaster Rovers, on loan for the rest of the 2010–11 season.[20]

After his loan return from Doncaster Rovers, he was not given a squad number for the 2011–12 Premier League. However, after Steve Bruce was dismissed in November 2011, Kilgallon was given a squad number by new manager Martin O'Neill. He returned to the first-team squad as an unused substitute during Sunderland's 2–1 victory over Blackburn Rovers on 11 December 2011. On 1 January 2012, Kilgallon made his first Sunderland appearance since May 2010, coming on as a 26th-minute substitute for the injured Wes Brown against Manchester City.[21] Kilgallon helped keep a clean sheet as Sunderland beat the league leaders 1–0.[22] Two days later, he made his first Sunderland start since May 2010, playing alongside John O'Shea in central defence in a 4–1 away win against Wigan Athletic.[23] [24] He suffered an ankle injury during a 1–0 away defeat against Chelsea on 15 January 2012[25] [26] and did not reappear until 31 March, starting in an away match against Manchester City. He was substituted in the 81st minute with Sunderland winning 3–1, before the team conceded twice to draw 3–3.[27]

During the 2012–13 season, Kilgallon failed to appear in the league until starting in a 0–0 home draw to Queens Park Rangers on 27 November 2012. After playing in Sunderland's 3–0 loss away to Liverpool on 2 January 2013, he did not feature again in the league under Martin O'Neill, but returned to the starting line up for Paolo Di Canio's first match in charge, a 2–1 defeat away to Chelsea, in which scored an own goal.[28] However, this proved to be Kilgallon's last appearance and Sunderland and he was released at the end of the season.[29]

Blackburn Rovers

Kilgallon signed for Championship club Blackburn Rovers on 8 July 2013 on a two-year contract.[30] He made his first start for the club in a 2–1 loss to Wigan Athletic as the captain Scott Dann was injured.[31] Kilgallon signed a new one-year contract at Blackburn in May 2015.[32] He was released at the end of the 2015–16 season.[33]

Bradford City

Kilgallon signed for League One club Bradford City on 1 August 2016 on a one-year contract with the option of a second year.[34] He was named Bradford City's Player of the Year for the 2017–18 season.[35]

Hamilton Academical

After his contract was cancelled by mutual consent, Kilgallon signed for Scottish club Hamilton Academical on 31 August 2018.[36] He left Hamilton in May 2019.[37] [38]

Hyderabad FC

Kilgallon signed a deal with Hyderabad FC in 2019 for Indian side Hyderabad FC.[39]

In August 2020, Kilgallon joined Northern Premier League side Buxton.[40]

On 6 October 2021, Kilgallon announced his retirement from professional football.[41]

International career

Kilgallon was capped by England at under-18, under-19, under-20 and under-21 level.[42]

Career statistics

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueFA CupLeague CupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Leeds United2002–03Premier League2000001030
2003–04Premier League821092
2004–05Championship2601010280
2005–06Championship251203030331
2006–07Championship1900030220
Total803407040953
West Ham United (loan)2003–04First Division301040
Sheffield United2006–07Premier League6060
2007–08Championship4023030462
2008–09Championship401303030491
2009–10Championship2111010231
Total10747070301244
Sunderland2009–10Premier League7070
2010–11Premier League000000
2011–12Premier League1001000110
2012–13Premier League60101080
Total230201000260
Middlesbrough (loan)2010–11Championship201030
Doncaster Rovers (loan)2010–11Championship120120
Blackburn Rovers2013–14Championship2511000261
2014–15Championship2215000271
2015–16Championship1000010110
Total572601000642
Bradford City2016–17League One70100040120
2017–18League One424301000464
Total494401040584
Hamilton Academical2018–19Scottish Premiership2501000260
Career total3581324019011041213

Honours

Individual

2017–18[35]

2008–09[14]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Barry J. . Hugman . The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11 . 2010 . Mainstream Publishing . Edinburgh . 978-1-84596-601-0 . 236.
  2. Web site: M. Kilgallon: Summary . Soccerway . Perform Group . 13 May 2018.
  3. News: Killa's on the way up . The Press . York . 14 November 2006 . 5 January 2018.
  4. News: Killa heads out . The Press . York . 9 January 2017 . 10 November 2017.
  5. News: Claire . Hughes . Kilgallon kicks off new pitch . The Press . York . 16 September 2006 . 10 November 2017.
  6. News: York-born defender Matthew Kilgallon hoping promotion with Sheffield United could pave the way to full England honours . The Press . York . 25 May 2009 . 10 November 2017.
  7. News: Henson try wins York team a trip to Wales . York Evening Press . 24 February 1999 . 10 November 2017.
  8. News: Kilgallon moves up England ladder . York Evening Press . 13 March 2002 . 10 November 2017.
  9. News: Matthew thrills to Meteoric rise . York Evening Press . 2 October 2002 . 10 November 2017.
  10. News: Barmby edges Leeds through . BBC Sport . 3 October 2002 . 10 November 2017.
  11. News: Leeds reject Royals Kilgallon bid . BBC Sport . 22 August 2006 . 10 November 2017.
  12. News: Blades sign Kilgallon from Leeds . BBC Sport . 8 January 2007 . 10 November 2017.
  13. News: Sheff Utd 1–0 Barnsley . BBC Sport . 15 December 2007 . 10 November 2017.
  14. Web site: Killa and Kyle win awards . Sheffield United F.C. . 6 April 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120301143244/http://www.sufc.co.uk/page/PlayerFeatures/0,,10418~1614298,00.html . 1 March 2012 . dead.
  15. News: Killa to go from Sheffield United . The Star . Sheffield . 18 December 2009 . 10 November 2017.
  16. News: Window of hope as Killa 'happy to stay' . The Star . Sheffield . 7 January 2010 . 10 November 2017.
  17. News: Kilgallon delay a boost for Blades . The Star . Sheffield . 15 January 2010 . 10 November 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20171111042430/http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/kilgallon-delay-a-boost-for-blades-1-309944 . 11 November 2017 . dead .
  18. News: Sheffield Utd's Matthew Kilgallon seals Sunderland move . BBC Sport . 21 January 2010 . 21 January 2010.
  19. News: Matthew Kilgallon completes Middlesbrough loan switch . BBC Sport . 19 August 2010 . 10 November 2017.
  20. News: Doncaster Rovers snap up defender Matthew Kilgallon . BBC Sport . 12 January 2011 . 10 November 2017.
  21. News: Barry . Glendenning . Sunderland 1–0 Manchester City – as it happened . The Guardian . London . 1 January 2012 . 10 November 2017.
  22. News: Alistair . Magowan . Sunderland 1–0 Man City . BBC Sport . 1 January 2012 . 10 November 2017.
  23. Web site: Team news from Lancashire . Sunderland A.F.C. . 3 January 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120713001915/http://www.safc.com/news/20120103/team-news-from-lancashire_2256213_2565386 . 13 July 2012 . dead.
  24. Web site: Stuart . Vose . Wigan Athletic 1 Sunderland 4 . Sunderland A.F.C. . 3 January 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120713003153/https://www.safc.com/news/20120103/wigan-athletic-1-sunderland-4_2256213_2565408 . 13 July 2012 . dead.
  25. News: Rowell Report: Injury just bad luck for Matt Kilgallon . Sunderland Echo . 17 January 2012 . 10 November 2017.
  26. News: Chelsea 1–0 Sunderland . BBC Sport . 15 January 2012 . 10 November 2017.
  27. News: David . Ornstein . Man City 3–3 Sunderland . BBC Sport . 31 March 2012 . 1 April 2012.
  28. News: Di Canio's Sunderland lose out at Chelsea . Sunderland Echo . 7 April 2013 . 10 November 2017.
  29. News: Titus Bramble and Matt Kilgallon released by Sunderland . BBC Sport . 28 May 2013 . 10 November 2017.
  30. News: Blackburn Rovers sign Matt Kilgallon on free transfer . BBC Sport . 8 July 2013 . 10 November 2017.
  31. Web site: Team news from the DW Stadium . Blackburn Rovers F.C. . 6 October 2013 . 10 November 2017.
  32. Web site: Rovers announce retained list . Blackburn Rovers F.C. . 16 May 2015 . 10 November 2017.
  33. News: Blackburn Rovers could let eight players leave Championship club . BBC Sport . 21 May 2016 . 10 November 2017.
  34. News: Matt Kilgallon: Bradford City sign former Sheff Utd and Blackburn defender . BBC Sport . 1 August 2016 . 10 November 2017.
  35. Web site: Kilgallon dominates Player of the Year awards evening . Bradford City A.F.C. . 2 May 2018 . 13 May 2018.
  36. Web site: Matt Kilgallon signs for Hamilton after leaving Bradford City. Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  37. Web site: Player Departures. 21 May 2019. 21 May 2019. Hamilton Academical F.C.. https://web.archive.org/web/20190528170201/https://www.hamiltonacciesfc.co.uk/player-departures-3/. 28 May 2019. dead.
  38. Web site: Hamilton: Eight players leave after safety secured. 21 May 2019. 21 May 2019. BBC Sport.
  39. Web site: ISL 2019-20: Hyderabad FC set to sign English defender Matthew Kilgallon.
  40. Web site: Ex-Premier League defender Kilgallon joins Buxton. nonleaguedaily.com. 25 August 2020. 7 September 2020.
  41. Web site: Ex-Sheffield United, Blackburn Rovers man Matthew Kilgallon announces retirement. the72.co.uk. 7 October 2021. 28 March 2022.
  42. Web site: Matt Kilgallon . 11v11.com . AFS Enterprises . 10 November 2017.