I am delighted to say that the next in our Q and A’s is Kyle Lightbourne. Kyle was with the Saddlers between 1993-1997 where his goal-scoring prowess made him a firm fans favourite. He was top goalscorer (joint once) in every season at the club. Here is what he had to say.
Firstly, how did your transfer to Walsall first come about?
I had played against Walsall for Scarborough which we won 4-1 and I scored against Walsall. Paul Taylor contacted me at the end of the season and Scarborough agreed to release me on a free contract.
What was it like working under legendary manager Chris Nicholl?
It was wonderful because he was the type of manager that I needed at the time, he was my favourite manager throughout my career.
What was your favourite goal?
My favourite goal for Walsall was when I scored against Barnet FC (at Barnet FC) this was the year we got promoted (I flicked it over a defenders head with my right foot and volleyed it with my left foot) from maybe 12 yards out. Overall my favourite goal was my goal for my country in BDA vs El Salvador in the World Cup Qualifier.
What was your favourite match to play in?
Walsall’s last game before promotion, We drew 0-0 with Bury. Another favourite was Stoke City v Bristol City in the Auto Windscreen Shield Final at Wembley, winning 2-1.
Who is the best player you ever played with?
At Walsall it would have to be Kevin Wilson/Scott Houghton but overall I would say Roland Nilsson(Coventry)
Who is the best player you ever played against?
When I played for Coventry I played against Tony Adams (Arsenal)
What was it like being part of the side that won promotion in the 1994-95 season?
It was a fantastic time to be at Walsall, the best team spirit that I ever had the pleasure to be in during my career, everybody fighting for the same end goal.
What was it like playing in the Premier League?
It was a great experience to be up against some of the best players in the world week in and week out, the level of playing was a huge step up from League 1. I was constantly coming up against players that were at the top of their game which pushed me to become a better player.
Do you still follow the Saddlers?
Yes, Walsall still has a huge place in my heart, I follow the Saddlers to this day one of the first results I look for! I would love to manage them one day.
What are you up-to in this lockdown?
I have painted around the house and have become hooked on Netflix so far I have watched Money Heist and Shooters, I never used to watch a lot of TV but with no sports on I have found a new love for Netflix.
How did you find moving back home after so many years away?
I found it easy, I was consistently visiting Bermuda yearly and pretty soon after moving home I got stuck into coaching the Bermuda National Team, I then began to develop the team Bermuda Hogges and before I knew it I was back into the island life
What is it like to be an International Team Manager?
It is an honour! It is going very well at the moment as we were able to make it to our first major competition at the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, we played against teams like Mexico, Costa Rica & Panama which was an honour to manage against teams of their calibre.
Finally, would you like to say anything to the Saddlers fans?
Hopefully I will see you soon but until then I hope that you get promoted next season, get back into League 1 and be challenging in that division once again. Up the Saddlers
Thanks to Kyle for answering those. We hope he and his family are keeping well in these tough times. We will all be continuing to keep an eye on how the Bermuda national team gets on under his reign.
