Kilbane relishing skipper challenge for new season starting at Yeovil
Coventry City’s new captain Kevin Kilbane believes he will be able to draw on his experience to lead the side into League One this year.
Andy Thorn handed the summer recruit the captain’s armband for the Captial One Cup clash before officially announcing the former Republic of Ireland international as his captain for the year.
The 35-year old has enjoyed a brilliant career, spanning over all the levels of the English Football League whilst making 110 international caps for the Republic of Ireland.
Kilbane hopes to draw on his experiences with his past captains and role models, and fulfill that same role with Coventry City.
He said: “It means a lot to me to be made captain at the club. It’s a huge honour for me and I am really relishing the challenges the responsibility brings with it.
“I will just carry on playing my natural game and make sure I keep doing what I have already been doing at the club since I joined.
“I have always been a talker in the dressing room and hopefully I can pass on some of my experiences I have had during my career to the younger lads.
“Alan Stubbs was my captain at Everton and he really stood out for me as he always pushed the players to do that little bit more. I have under Roy Keane as well in the Irish squad and Robbie Keane.
“Two really good captains for very different reasons but I wouldn’t say I want to be like them as I want to be my own person, but it is good I can draw on them experiences.”
His first game as City captain in League One will be against Yeovil Town at the weekend and Kilbane is expecting a tough test.
He added: “I have always had a lot of respect for Gary Johnson’s sides as he has always set up his teams to play good football and they are always difficult to break down.
“He did well with Bristol City and was unfortunate not to get them up to the Premier League. We will have to be at our best to get the three points.
“I am sure they will have that physical element as well but we are all looking to play some better football than at Dagenham so we are positive.
“There is a lot to look forward to this season and I am proud to be the one leading the side on the pitch this year.”