Kenny was a popular player in the 90s and is best remembered for his winning goal against Manchester United which prevented them from becoming champions that year. He was a reliable and versatile fullback who always gave his all for the club. Following in his father’s footsteps in playing for the club, he never let us down when called upon.
You were signed by club legend Billy Bonds in 1991 whilst playing for Plymouth Argyle, how did the transfer come about?
I was out of contract at Plymouth but it was before the Bosman ruling so I started pre-season there. Dad had a chance meeting with Billy Bonds and he asked how I was. Billy said West Ham had a lot of injuries and were looking to bring someone in on loan. They made the call and obviously I was up the M5/M4 like a shot!
Was it initially hard to follow in your father’s footsteps at the club?
No not at all. After a week I felt I had been there for years. Everyone made me feel at home and it was an honour to follow in Dad’s footsteps.
You are best remembered for your goal against Manchester United to help stop them winning the league, what are your memories from that game?
Under the lights, electric atmosphere and a full house. We were all but relegated but the fans were behind us straight from kick off. Ludo was never going to concede and we got the break with the goal – a great night after a disappointing season.
You managed to notch 5 goals in 63 appearances for the club, which isn’t a bad record for a defender, how did this happen?
We played with wing-backs when I first came and I was given license to join the attack whenever possible. I also filled in at left-back a few times which encouraged me to come in on my right and shoot more.
Do you have any other games that stand out in your mind other than the Manchester United match and why?
Aston Villa at home again under the lights when I scored my favourite goal for West Ham in a 3-1 win, and for different reasons Notts County away in 92/93 season. I lost my mum on the Wednesday and Bill and the staff were the only people who knew. Bill asked if I wanted to play on the Saturday, I did and we drew 0-0 but it was an emotional experience.
There were many great characters at West Ham in the 90s. Who were you particularly close to and do you keep in touch with any of the players now?
We were a really close group of players but there were a few of us that knocked around together: Bish, Keith Rowland, Michael Hughes, Julian and Hutch had some great times on and off the pitch. Both Hutch & Rowley lived with me for quite a while. I’m still in touch with nearly all the players from that era.
Are there any particular funny stories from the training ground that you can share?
Really too many to pick one but they normally always involved Bish, Moncs or Martin Allen.
You left the club to join Birmingham City. How did the move come about and did you want to leave at this time?
I wanted to play more and Birmingham came in for me to go on loan. Mike Newell had joined us from them and said it was a shambles. I went anyway and enjoyed playing every week for the month. They then agreed a fee to sign me permanently and I went. Within another month I knew I had made a mistake. I lasted 4 months before Billy took me to Millwall!
After leaving West Ham, you played for a number of clubs, including Millwall, was it hard to turn out for one of our greatest rivals?
I actually enjoyed my time at Millwall. It helped that Bill was the manager, Patsy Holland was his assistant and Paul Allen was there as well. Also by the time the abuse got to me it was a bit diluted!
Since retiring from playing you have had a few spells in management and coaching. Have there been any particular highlights?
I have managed and played in the Champions League, played, managed, coached and was director of football while in Spain and worked with Julian Dicks again at Grays Athletic.
What do you currently do now?
I’m now u/16 manager at Dagenham & Redbridge and lead development coach for the 12’s to 16’s
This is a very hard question to answer but could you pick the Best West Ham 11 that you played with?
Ludo, Potts, Bilic, Gale, Dicks, Keen, Moncur, Bishop, Hughes, Hutchison, Mcavennie subs: Breaker, Allen, Cottee, Morley, Robson
Do you still follow West Ham and what do you make of our current team and prospects?
Yes, it’s the first result I look for. I think we will stay up but would like to see a bit more imagination in our attacking play. We have always had an iconic number 10 and would like to see one to go with the resilience that’s obviously instilled in the current team.
Is there any message you would like to leave for the West Ham fans reading this?
It was a privilege and honour to play for West Ham United and I have my fondest memories in football from my time there. The fans were, and still are, great to me and that means a lot from a player who had limited talent but always gave 100%. I think the fans could relate to that. COYI
I would agree with Kenny, he always gave 100% and wore the shirt with pride, something that all us fans love to see. Thanks for the interview Kenny and thanks for the memories.
