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Kilbane announces retirement

Michael Kenrick , 8 December, 20comments  |  Jump to most recent
Kevin 'Zinedine' Kilbane has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35. Kilbane was at Everton for over three years during the early stages of the Moyes Era.

He finished his playing career at League One side Coventry City, whom he joined in the summer and was named as club captain.

Kilbane started his club career with his hometown team Preston North End at the age of 18 before signing for West Brom for £ 1million in 1997. He also played for Sunderland, Wigan and Hull City, while also having loan spells at Huddersfield Town and Derby County.

He was starting a new career in football, though, the day after announcing his retirement, when he provided the colour commentary on the BBC for Radio 5Live's coverage of Everton v Spurs.

Quotes or other material sourced from Irish Times

Reader Comments (20)

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Gavin Fennessy
1 Posted 08/12/2012 at 16:57:06
While not the most naturally gifted player to grace Goodison, he was a very whole-hearted and likeable player on and off the field. He also had a distinguished international career for Ireland and unlike some stars of the modern game, he appeared genuinely proud and committed to the cause.

I'd like to wish him all the best in his retirement and I know there will be other Blues with good memories of Kevin.

Thomas Lennon
2 Posted 08/12/2012 at 16:57:58
Good player, helped steady the team at an extremely difficult time.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20652793

Andy Meighan
3 Posted 08/12/2012 at 17:03:30
I spoke to him a couple of times outside the ground. A really nice lad. Not the most gifted we've had. But he always put a shift in.

All the best, Killer, fondly remembered here.
Nick Entwistle
4 Posted 08/12/2012 at 18:06:50
Him on one wing, Davies on the other... wasn't exactly Limpar and Kanchelskis.

If it wasn't for the internet and its room for nostalgia, he would have otherwise disappeared from mind – like other just about good enough players Valente or Pistone.

Jon Ferguson
5 Posted 08/12/2012 at 18:12:30
Agree and disagree with Nick. Kanchelskis, Limpar, Mirallas or Pienaar, he was not. Bit he was at Everton at a crucial stage of our development.

It's easy to forget the Smith years, because they were so forgettable, but Kilbane was part of the early Moyes era which helped to foster the hardworking, high internal-morale, playing for eachother morale that continues to this day. The only difference is that we have added genuine talent to those attributes.

Thanks Mr Kilbane for working your socks off for the Blues.
Paul Ferry
6 Posted 08/12/2012 at 18:38:23
One of the slowest 'wingers' I have ever seen. I'm trying to remember a moment when he laced – really laced – a full back... hmmmm... Good with his head though. I wasn't arsed when we bought him (not exactly an inspiring leap into the market was it?) and wasn't arsed when he left. To be honest, I thought he had retired. Shame that his swansong was Coventry. Nice fella. The mirror opposite of sewer-rat.
Phil Walling
7 Posted 08/12/2012 at 19:00:16
He got slagged off on here a lot as I remember, but never anything but a totally committed pro. I wish the lad well in whatever he chooses to do.
Gaute Lie
8 Posted 08/12/2012 at 19:16:22
Always liked Kilbane. Smiling and running like a crazy man. Truly not the most gifted, but he gave it all and was a fair decent player.

Good luck as a civilian, KK!

Gary O'Connor
9 Posted 08/12/2012 at 19:52:06
A great professional who superceded many who had more talent. Proud that he played for both The Toffees and Ireland. Best of luck, Zinedine.
David Hallwood
10 Posted 08/12/2012 at 20:09:26
Always had a soft spot for our Zinedine — Christ knows why... but N'joy your retirement, Kev!
Andre James
11 Posted 08/12/2012 at 22:24:57
He was a regular member of the team who finished 4th. Top guy who served us well. Enjoy your retirement KK!
Jason Heng
12 Posted 09/12/2012 at 01:23:05
He did finish fourth, didn't he? That's almost like winning a silverware in the Premier League era. More skillful wingers didn't achieve that. Well done.
Christopher Kelly
13 Posted 09/12/2012 at 01:51:12
Don't worry fella's, I'm sure we'll be in for him and McFadden towards the end of January
Tony J Williams
14 Posted 09/12/2012 at 11:24:46
One of my favourite "limited" players. He even inspired the 606 wind up merchant Kilbane's Gap from me. Good luck Kev
Guy Hastings
15 Posted 09/12/2012 at 11:48:17
Proper haircut, good bloke and a cert for my unsung XI every time.
Ian Bennett
16 Posted 09/12/2012 at 11:47:52
For the sum we shelled out he was a success. End of.
Niall MacDiarmada
17 Posted 09/12/2012 at 14:22:29
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLV9WyrfsbU

Pat Waine
18 Posted 10/12/2012 at 09:57:58
A nice guy and a hard worker. No Alan Ball but he always gave his best. All the best for the future.
Martin Handley
19 Posted 10/12/2012 at 20:04:19
I remember a couple of games against Man U especially the 04 1-0 Fergie game were he ripped arse out of ET (Gary Neville ) every time.
I've met him a few times a genuine real nice guy who said to me and my mates it was a privilege to play from the blues, well mate it was a privilege to know you all the best Killer and keep up the vista to Goodison.
Mark Dunford
20 Posted 10/12/2012 at 20:50:38
Nice guy who was really supportive to my son when he was a six year old mascot at Palace. A solid player with an excellent work ethic. Recall a great goal against Fulham and no one can deny he was a very important player in the team that finished fourth - recall the performance at Norwich where he more or less earned us three points. Now turning into a perceptive media commentator - trust he completed the much plugged degree he was studying.

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