It has been a meteoric rise for Michael Kightly over the last 12 months and the Wolves winger is loving every minute of life at Molineux. The former Southend United trainee was plying his trade for Grays Athletic at the start of last season before being snapped up by Mick McCarthy. His form has been so impressive that a host of Premier League clubs such as Manchester United, Aston Villa and Everton have been linked with the 23-year-old whilst recent reports have suggested Torino are keeping tabs as well. However, Kightly penned a new four-year deal in the summer and has no intention of leaving the Black Country just yet as he tries to fire Wolves back into the Premier League. His form has been recognised by supporters too as he is the latest recipient of the PFA Fans'Player of the Month Award for November. Givemefootball's Ian Clarkson spoke exclusively to Kightly as he prepares for a busy festive period that could shape Wolves’ season.
Q:
WERE YOU EXPECTING TO WIN THE PFA FANS' PLAYER OF THE MONTH AWARD?
A:
Not at all. It came right out of the blue. I won the ‘Local Radio Breakthrough’ Award at the BBC Midlands Sports Awards on Sunday night and then heard that I had won this the following day. It is a great award to win because it means that supporters from other clubs as well as your own have recognised that you are doing well. I am very pleased as it is always nice to receive some recognition.
Q:
IT HAS BEEN A GREAT FIRST YEAR FOR YOU BACK IN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL HASN'T IT?
A:
It has gone really well. I couldn't have wished for it to have gone any better although I would have liked to have scored more goals. Promotion last season would have been unbelievable (Wolves lost in the play-off semi finals against Albion) but perhaps that was being too greedy. I started off relatively slowly this season but kicked on again after five games and haven't really looked back. I picked up an injury against Albion and have missed the last four games but am looking forward to a busy Christmas and New Year.
Q:
ARE YOU EXPECTING TO REACH THE PLAY-OFFS THIS YEAR?
A:
The play-offs are the least of our expectations to be honest. We are still in amongst it and the league leaders – Watford – aren't running away with it. If we can have a really good Christmas and New Year in terms of results then automatic promotion is still a possibility. However, we would expect to reach the play-offs after last year and anything less than that would be regarded as a failure.
Q:
ARE YOU STILL LIVING THE DREAM AFTER PLAYING IN THE BLUE SQUARE PREMIER JUST OVER 12 MONTHS AGO?
A:
I am living the dream as I only arrived at Wolves last November and really appreciate just how well it's gone. I am really lucky to be playing football professionally and I cherish every day.
Q:
IS THERE A LOT MORE TALENT IN NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL THAT COULD MAKE THE STEP UP?
A:
Definitely. There are lots of young players who get released from top clubs and drop into the non-league to play games and just need an opportunity to push on. As well as myself at Grays Athletic there was Aaron McLean who is now scoring for fun at Peterborough. If he carries on like he is at present then he will be in the Championship before you know it. There are another couple of players from Grays who have signed for Gillingham in League One and that is just from one non-league club. If you look at all the teams in the Blue Square Premier then there is lots of talent out there and I would advise any manager to take a punt.
Q:
WHAT WOULD BE THE IDEAL SCENARIO FOR MICHAEL KIGHTLY IN 12 MONTHS TIME?
A:
I want to play in the Premier League and I want to test myself against the best players, but I want to do it with Wolves. This is an absolutely massive club with a good set of lads, an excellent manager and fantastic support. The fans that follow us every week are brilliant and I can't wait to be back playing again. Fingers crossed we will have a good Christmas and New Year and that we can be playing in the Premier League next season.
