Neil Kilkenny will come up against Perth Glory on Friday night for the first time as an ex-Perth player when Western United host the men in purple at AAMI Park.
Kilkenny played two and a half seasons at the Glory, registering 12 goals and 19 assists in his time across A-League and Asian Champions League matches.
But now in Green and Black he will come up against some familiar faces on Friday, but he took an opportunity to reflect on his time in Western Australia.
“I got on with all the lads there. The boys were a good group of boys. It was an unfortunate season last year which was frustrating, but obviously my first two seasons there were fantastic. To be part of most successful season in our history was an honour,” he said.
Kilkenny said he built a “fantastic rapport” with the fans at HBF Park, but all his focus is now on Western United and finding a way to take three points off his old employers.
Making his A-League Men debut for United on Saturday, Kilkenny said all has been positive despite the result against Melbourne Victory in the season opener.
“I felt we played really well and we were unlucky to not come away with the result. We were the better team in possession,” he said.
“But once you play the game, you can’t change the result that’s just gone. We’ve been preparing well and I look forward to the game on Friday night. We know it’s going to be a tough game.”
The 35-year-old has taken a key role at the base of midfield in John Aloisi’s side, making two tackles and two clearances in the match against Victory.
And his goal is to come into the side and bring results on the pitch.
“We just want to win anyway; we’re looking forward to the season ahead and the next game. We take it one game at a time, and hopefully we can get a result and move on,” he said.
Kilkenny will look to take the challenge to Daniel Sturridge and co. at Perth as United chase a first win of the 2021/22 Isuzu UTE A-League Men season.
