Catching Up With Farrell Kilbane

We caught up with title-winning defender Farrell Kilbane to ask him about his time with the club. Farrell made 67 appearances for the club and even chipped in with a couple of goals.

Can you tell us about how you ended up signing for Southport?

I was out of contract with Lancaster City at the end of 2004/05 season. Liam Watson had been appointed manager at Southport. I felt it was time for a change and i knew how good of a manager Liam is and how good of a club Southport is. I did not have to think twice about the move.

Can you remember your debut?

Yes I can, I was sent off!! It was against Vauxhall Motors at Haig Ave on the opening day of the season. Their striker had rounded the keeper (dicko) on the edge of the box and he struck a shot towards goal. I was covering from the other side and launched myself towards the shot and tipped the ball over the bar. (probably save of the season, ha). I was subsequently sent off, and vauxhall MISSED the penalty. We won the game 2-1. had we drawn that game, or lost, some would say that it was a championship winning save as we only won the league by a small margin!!!

What was your favourite moment in a Southport shirt?

Without doubt, it was the last game of the season against Harrogate 2004/05. It was a crucial game for both sides. If Harrogate had won by any score they would make the play-offs. Droylsdon were away at Frickley Athletic and were expected to win comfortably. There had been fierce battles and mind games all season between us and droylesdon. the game at Harrogate was a grudge match, as earlier in the season they had beaten us at home in which we had a man sent off and i came off with an injury. After the game tempers were high and “words” were exchanged in the tunnel. so for me this was another carrot. It was a great day (and night) with a massive Southport following travelling over the Pennines. I had a “few words” with their players in the tunnel and during the first half, after a shaky start we went 4-0 up by half time. We won the game 5-2. but one moment during the game I sometimes get reminded about was at about 80 mins, we were 5-0 up and cruising. There was a break in play and I had the ball ready to take a throw-in. The place was buzzing and one of the Southport fans leaned over and shouted something whilst holding a can of Stella, so i took the can of Stella from him and began to drink from the can. I must of drank half a can and then when the referee blew the whistle I took the throw-in. Ha ha.

Who were your best friends in the dressing room?

There were some great characters in the dressing room, to name a few, Steve “sid” Pickford, Dom Morley, Chris Price and Kevin Lynch. All the lads were brilliant. real honest lads. Liam had built a great squad and it was proved right, at the end of the season. I used to travel with Jerome Fitzgerald who also was a great lad, although i seem to remember he never seemed to drive much, as he had lots of “car troubles”.

What are you most proud of in football?

I am very proud of the fact that I played at the levels i did. I was never really a gifted player as such but I know I was honest and reliable.

Do you have any regrets from your time at the club?

I have no regrets whatsoever. I made some great friends and have great memories.

Tell us an interesting story about your time at the club, something people might not have heard before…

There are a few interesting things that people may not know about but i shall refrain from saying as they should remain in the dressing room!! Haha

What are you up to these days?

I am now a PE Instructor in the Prison Service. where I teach various sports on a daily basis. I also teach several classes in the communities on most evenings, mainly Insanity, Kettlercise and Metafit. I am a fully qualified Insanity Instructor which enables me to teach in the communities to enable people to achieve fitness goals.

Many thanks to Farrell for taking the time to Catch Up with us.