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In fact it must have been a tough decision for Tilson who brought Kightly into the youth set-up when he found Kightly at Basildon United. Kightly had been released by Tottenham after failing to make an impact in the time he had at the London club. Tilson then managed to force Kightly into the second string of football after ensuring that he made a good impression in youth team football. Kightly continued to impress before he featured at Tilson’s testimonial and then in the last game of the 2002/2003 season away to Exeter City. Although Exeter won the game they were relegated from the Football League while Kightly had made his first step into League Football.
The 2003/2004 season proved to be a season of more progress for Kights who played very well in the start of Southend’s historic LDV Vans Trophy run, against Bristol Rovers. However it was two managers later that Kightly’s finest hour occurred. Steve Wignall had been sacked, David Webb had finished his caretaker manager stint and Steve Tilson had been appointed in charge first team duties. Tilson picked Kightly in the side and the youngster repaid Tilly with a goal that gave Blues a two goal advantage against Luton Town. Although Kightly’s season faded out after this, due to injury, there was a clear progress in the teenager’s play.
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Whilst we all trust LMA League Two Manager of the Year, Steve Tilson’s judgement TLG are disappointed to see the back of Michael Kightly. We wish him all the best in the future and hope that he can find another Football League club.
Matt Donohue
MattDonohue1988@hotmail.com
www.thelittlegazette.com