Michael Kightly

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Michael John Kightly (born 24 January 1986 in Basildon, England) is a former professional footballer who played as a winger. After being released by Tottenham as a schoolboy, he started with Basildon United and Southend United (including a loan at Farnborough Town) before moving to Grays Athletic. His strong form at Grays led to a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers, initially on loan in 2006 and then permanently in 2007. Kightly became a regular for Wolves and played a key role in their promotion to the Premier League in 2009, though injuries limited his time in the top flight. He spent a loan spell at Watford in 2011–12, then joined Stoke City in 2012. A loan to Burnley in 2013–14 helped Burnley win promotion, and he stayed with Burnley after the move became permanent in 2014. In 2017 he had a loan at Burton Albion before rejoining Southend United later that year. Kightly announced his retirement in August 2019, briefly returned with Rushall Olympic in 2020–21, and ended his playing career there. Internationally, he earned seven England Under-21 caps between 2007 and 2008. Off the field, he has a daughter, Alexa, and a son, Leo, and grew up supporting Manchester United before switching allegiance to Tottenham Hotspur.