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Chris KirklandEnglish footballer, goalkeeper
Date of Birth: 02.05.1981
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Early Career and Rise to Prominence
- Loan Spells and Opportunity at West Bromwich Albion
- Permanent Move to Wigan Athletic
- England Call-Up and Betting Accolade
- Honours and Achievements
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Chris Kirkland, an English football goalkeeper, began his professional career with Coventry City in 1999. His exceptional performances for the Sky Blues drew attention from Liverpool, who acquired his services in August 2001 for a British record fee of six million pounds.
Loan Spells and Opportunity at West Bromwich Albion
Despite his high-profile move to Liverpool, Kirkland faced competition from Jerzy Dudek and spent much of his time on the bench. In search of regular playing time, he was loaned to West Bromwich Albion for the 2005-06 season. Impressive displays for the Baggies earned him a call-up to the England national team, but his injury woes continued to plague him.
Permanent Move to Wigan Athletic
In July 2006, Kirkland joined Wigan Athletic on a six-month loan spell, which was later made permanent. He established himself as the club's number one goalkeeper and played a pivotal role in Wigan's unlikely FA Cup triumph in 2013.
England Call-Up and Betting Accolade
Kirkland made his sole appearance for the England senior team in a friendly against Greece in 2006. This fulfilled a remarkable betting coup by his father and family friends, who had each placed a 100-pound bet on Kirkland's international debut before he turned 30, netting them a return of 10,000 pounds each.
Honours and Achievements
Throughout his career, Chris Kirkland has achieved the following:- FA Cup winner with Wigan Athletic (2013)
- Wigan Athletic Player of the Year (2007-08)
- Wigan Athletic Player of the Season (2007-08)
