Paddy Kenny
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | Patrick Joseph Kenny | ||
Date of birth | 17 May 1978 | ||
Place of birth | Halifax, England | ||
Height | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)[1] | ||
Position(s) | Goalkeeper | ||
Team information | |||
Current team | Leeds United | ||
Number | 1 | ||
Youth career | |||
1997–1998 | Bradford | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
1998–2002 | Bury | 133 | (0) |
1999 | → Whitby Town (loan) | 0 | (0) |
2002 | → Sheffield United (loan) | 12 | (0) |
2002–2010 | Sheffield United | 266 | (0) |
2010–2012 | Queens Park Rangers | 77 | (0) |
2012– | Leeds United | 11 | (0) |
International career‡ | |||
2004–2006 | Republic of Ireland | 7 | (0) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 7 October 2012 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 20:33, 11 May 2010 (UTC) |
Patrick Joseph "Paddy" Kenny (born 17 May 1978) is a footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Leeds United.
Kenny began his career in West Yorkshire 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 despite a famous 3–2 defeat to Champions Manchester City. And he reunited with Warnock for the fourth time by signing for Leeds United
Club career
Early career
Born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, starting his career at Bradford Park Avenue, he 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 Sheffield United 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.[3]
He 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 he 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] He was 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. He 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, he 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] He started for the first time that season on 24 April, in a 2–0 win over Swansea City, earning himself a clean sheet.
Queens Park Rangers
Despite being offered an extended deal by the Blades, Kenny controversially opted to sign a three-year contract for former boss Neil Warnock's side Queens Park Rangers in June 2010. Many Sheffield United fans reacted angrily to his move and he has been since given the nickname Judas. 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. Warnock then chose Kenny to be number one keeper instead of Radek Cerny, Kenny kept three clean sheets in QPR's first three games in the Championship with a 4–0 win over Barnsley, 3–0 win over his former club Sheffield United and a 2–0 win over Scunthorpe.[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 1 keeper in their first season back in the Premier League making 33 starts and keeping 7 clean sheets. On 13 May, on the final day of the season, with QPR requiring at least a draw in their match away at Manchester City or for Bolton Wanderers to lose or draw to guarantee their Premier League safety. QPR lost the game 3–2 in dramatic circumstances which also saw Man City win the title, the game also saw a famous sending off for Joey Barton, despite the loss, Kenny and QPR retained their Premier League status with Bolton getting relegated.[14][15]
Despite his impressive performances making his a fans favourite at Loftus Road throughout the 2011/2012 season, new Rangers manager Mark Hughes decided to sign England keeper Robert Green from West Ham United before the 2012/2013 campaign began, effectively pushing Kenny down the pecking order. Kenny was subsequently made available for a transfer.[16]
Leeds United
Kenny signed for Leeds United for £900,000 on 11 July 2012. This means that he would link up with Neil Warnock for a fourth time in his career.[17] Kenny was allocated the number 1 shirt for the 2012–13 season on 3 August.[18] Kenny made his competitive début for Leeds in the first game of the season against Shrewsbury Town in the League Cup on 11 August.[19] Kenny made his league début for Leeds in their 1–0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers.[20]
International career
Although born in England, Kenny qualifies to play for the Republic of Ireland as both his parents are of Irish descent. Following his impressive form he was called up by manager Brian Kerr and made his debut in 2004 in a 1–0 friendly victory over Jamaica.[21] He collected seven caps for the Republic of Ireland before in 2007, retiring from international football, asking then manager Steve Staunton not to consider him for selection to allow him to sort out personal issues.[22]
By 2008 he hinted at a possible return to international competition, but was consistently overlooked as Shay Given of Aston Villa the preferred number one goalkeeper.[23] Kenny in 2010 again confirmed he was looking to come out of international exile and make himself available again for the national side again.[23]
Career statistics
Club
- As of 20 November 2011.[24]
Personal life
On 1 May 2008, despite being told by 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. Kenny ended up having his eyebrow bitten off and required 12 stitches. [25][26]
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 Utd 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 2012–2013 season and, in particular, the performance of goalkeeper Rob Green, brought in to replace Kenny over the summer.[27]
Honours
Club
- Football League Championship runners up: 2005–06
- Sheffield United F.C. Player of the Year: 2005–06
- Sheffield United F.C. Player of the Year: 2002–03
- Football League Championship: 2010–11
- Queens Park Rangers F.C. Player of the Year: 2010–11
- Voted the Goalkeeper in 2010–11 Football League Championship PFA Team of the Year
References
- ^ "Premier League Player Profile". Premier League. Retrieved 17 May 2012.
- ^ "Coventry 2–1 Sheff Utd". BBC Sport. 10 August 2002. Retrieved 28 November 2007.
- ^ "Middlesbrough 1–0 Sheff Utd (aet)". BBC Sport. 27 February 2008. Retrieved 27 February 2008.
- ^ "Kenny may quit United". The Star. 18 December 2008. Retrieved 29 December 2008.
- ^ "'No problem with Kenny talks'". The Star. 19 December 2008. Retrieved 19 December 2008.
- ^ "Blades drop 'late' Paddy". The Star. 27 December 2008. Retrieved 29 December 2008.
- ^ "Blades put Kenny on transfer list". BBC Sport. 29 December 2008. Retrieved 29 December 2008.
- ^ "Double player boost". BBC Sport. 28 May 2009. Retrieved 8 July 2009.
- ^ "Goalkeeper Kenny fails drugs test". BBC Sport. 7 July 2009. Retrieved 7 July 2009.
- ^ a b "Keeper suspended for nine months". Sheffield United F.C. 7 September 2009. Retrieved 7 September 2009.
- ^ "Paddy boost". Sheffield United F.C. 7 November 2009. Retrieved 7 November 2009.
- ^ "Kenny joins QPR in £750,000 deal". Sheffield United F.C. 7 June 2010. Retrieved 7 June 2010.
- ^ "Kenny and Mackie delighted with promotion". BBC Sport. 7 May 2011.
- ^ "Man City 3–2 QPR". BBC Sport. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
- ^ "Manchester City v QPR – as it happened". The Guardian. 13 May 2012. Retrieved 13 May 2012.
- ^ "Rangers open to Kenny offers". Sky Sports. 6 July 2012. Retrieved 7 October 2012.
- ^ "Warnock reunited with Kenny for fourth time as Leeds sign QPR keeper". Daily Mail. 11 July 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2012.
- ^ "New squad numbers announced". Leeds United A.F.C. 3 August 2012. Retrieved 3 August 2012.
- ^ "SHREWSBURY LIVE". Leeds United A.F.C. 11 August 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
- ^ "Becchio goal secures win against Wolves..." Leeds United A.F.C. 18 August 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
- ^ "Barrett shores up makeshift Ireland". The Independent. London. 3 June 2004. Retrieved 30 December 2008.
- ^ "Kenny to take a break". Football Association of Ireland. 27 January 2007. Retrieved 30 December 2008.
- ^ a b "Paddy on hunger". Sheffield United F.C. 16 October 2008. Retrieved 30 December 2008. Cite error: The named reference "international return possible" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ "Paddy Kenny Career Stats". Soccerbase. Retrieved 26 April 2011.
- ^ Lawler, Danielle (16 November 2006). "Star's pal bites off eyebrow". The Sun. London. Retrieved 30 December 2008.
- ^ "Warnock furious after Kenny brawl". BBC Sport. 16 November 2006. Retrieved 30 December 2008.
- ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19354786
External links
- Paddy Kenny at Soccerbase
Season | Club | Division | League | FA Cup | League Cup | FL Trophy | Play-offs | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |||||||||||||||||
1997–98 | Bradford Park Avenue | Northern Premier League | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
1998–99 | − | Bradford Park Avenue Total | 42 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
1998–99 | Bury | Division One | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||
1999–2000 | Division Two | 46 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 53 | 0 | |||||||||||||||
2000–01 | 46 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | - | - | 53 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||
2001–02 | 41 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 44 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||
Bury Total | 133 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | - | - | 150 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||
2002–03 | Sheffield United (loan) | Division One | 12 | 0 | - | - | 2 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 14 | 0 | ||||||||||||||
2002–03 | Sheffield United | 33 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 0 | - | - | 3 | 0 | 45 | 0 | |||||||||||||||
2003–04 | 27 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 32 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||
2004–05 | Championship | 40 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 48 | 0 | |||||||||||||||
2005–06 | 46 | 0 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 46 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||
2006–07 | Premier League | 34 | 0 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 34 | 0 | |||||||||||||||
2007–08 | Championship | 40 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 3 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 47 | 0 | |||||||||||||||
2008–09 | 44 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | 3 | 0 | 50 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||
2009–10 | 2 | 0 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||
Sheffield United Total | 278 | 0 | 19 | 0 | 15 | 0 | - | - | 6 | 0 | 318 | 0 | ||||||||||||||||
2010–11 | Queens Park Rangers | Championship | 44 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 46 | 0 | ||||||||||||||
2011–12 | Premier League | 33 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 35 | 0 | |||||||||||||||
Queens Park Rangers Total | 77 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 81 | 0 |
- Use dmy dates from September 2012
- 1978 births
- Living people
- People from Halifax, West Yorkshire
- English footballers
- Republic of Ireland association footballers
- Republic of Ireland international footballers
- Association football goalkeepers
- Bradford A.F.C. players
- Bury F.C. players
- Whitby Town F.C. players
- Sheffield United F.C. players
- Queens Park Rangers F.C. players
- Leeds United A.F.C. players
- Premier League players
- The Football League players
- Irish sportspeople in doping cases