PICS SO HIGH AS PREM ACE KIGHTLY FLIES IN
FORMER Premier League winger Michael Kightly has come out of retirement to sign for Rushall Olympic.
The Pitching In Southern Premier Central Pics have pulled off the major coup after the 34-year-old spent time with them in pre-season training.
Kightly launched his career in Non-League football with Grays Athletic, who he helped to FA Trophy glory in 2006. His displays under Blues boss Mark Stimson led to a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
It was there he won the first of three promotions into the Premier League – the others came with Burnley – while he also played in the top flight with Stoke City.
Kightly returned to Southend United, where he began his career, for two seasons before hanging up his boots in the professional game.
Now he’s going to play part-time for Step 3 Rushall and manager Liam McDonald is convinced Kightly’s experience will rub off on the rest of his attackers.
“This is a massive coup for the club,” said McDonald. “Throughout all of the talks we’ve had, it’s always been very positive; he can see what we are trying to achieve here and wants to be part of it.
“He’s had a lot of offers, as you would expect, but he has chosen us and having seen him in training, it is clear that he will be a big asset.
“He’s going to help in the development of our young players, particularly the attackers, and the lads are buzzing to have him here, especially the Wolves supporters amongst the group!
“This is the icing on the cake for us in pre-season. Things have gone well in terms of results, performances and the players that we have been able to bring in and this really does top that off nicely.
“I can’t wait to work closely with him and am even more excited for the new season to get underway now!”
Rushall open their season away to Romulus on September 19.